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A Time of Suffering

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Hebrews 4:15 KJV

Photo courtesy of pixabay.lThis day began like many others. Dawn’s glow awakened her. She lay there alone in semi-darkness, thinking about the lump.

As brighter light streamed through the window and sunbeams touched her bed, she sat up, dangling her feet over the edge. Among usual activities noted on her IPad, one was a serious interruption: “Dr. Apt. 10:30 A.M.—test results.” What if the lump is cancerous? What if I do chemo or have surgery? Think positively! In that moment, she felt a spark of energy. Sitting up, she prompted herself, Come on, girl, go. She did not know what was ahead, nor did she know the extent of suffering brought by a disease.

People experience suffering in numerous ways, but Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden is the sin root leading to all suffering as well as the need for redemption by God’s Son. Imagine how Jesus felt when He faced arrest. That day included a visit to Bethany where Mary anointed Him for burial with costly oil. He knew the meaning of her gift. That evening, twelve disciples came to the upper room where He served the Lord’s Supper and said, “This bread is my body, broken for you. This cup is my blood, shed for you.” He knew what was ahead.

Come to another garden—Gethsemane. Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus. Three times they failed to watch as He prayed alone in agony. His suffering intensified. His body seemed heavy, yet weak and faint. Jesus fell face-down on the ground. As His grieving became exceedingly sorrowful, He cried out to His heavenly Father: “If possible, let this cup pass from Me—not as I will, but as You will.” He bled drops of blood, suffering as a man. Greater grief came because of death and God’s wrath laid on him. The punishment He took for sinners was so different than His divine nature. But Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross.

Jesus knows all about suffering and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Let those truths comfort you when you suffer.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

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Joyce Merwin

Joyce Merwin lives in Owego, NY, with her husband Robert, who is a fine artist. A mother and grandmother, Joyce retired from public school and Christian school teaching and county casework. She taught women’s Bible classes and has spoken to women’s groups. Her hobbies are reading, gardening, and music.


Comments

  1. What a comforting devotional!