Leave The Cross Bearing To God

Troy Conrad
Troy Conrad

Sometimes God will allow us to go through circumstances that are just too much for us so that we can learn that they are never too much for Him.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:14

We've all had crosses to bear in our lives.

We've been through the fire.

Been through the wringer and hung out to dry.

For some it's a deeply physical or emotional wound. For others it seems like a minor affliction like doing chores or minor duties. But the one thing that makes a real difference in this world is how we react to the sufferings that life brings to us.

Nothing ever lasts forever. Jobs come and go. People get older. Kids graduate and move out. Clothes go out of style and cars odometers only go one way.

We know it's going to happen someday. We know that things will change and we don't ever want to think about it. And many times we are surprised when life's circumstances don't go our way. And we cry out with indignation to God.

After all, we're supposed to be a privileged people. We have Jesus so life is only supposed to be rainbows and unicorns. And we get mad when the storm clouds come in.

We lose our way and become confused in our decisions. But this is when God's glory shines the greatest.

All throughout the Bible God is a God of the suffering.

Moses shined best when an army was chasing after him.

David was given hope when he was hunted and alone in the desert.

Isaiah spoke God's words when all his peers shunned him.

Habakkuk gained insight when he cried out.

John the Baptist was reassured while in prison.

Peter's glory came on the day of his death.

John of Patmos received visions while imprisoned.

And Christ's great legacy came when His disciples touched His wounds.

God's glory shines best when we're at our worst.

Whatever your cross is this day, you have a choice. You can continue to wallow in your misery. Cry poor pitiful me and ostracize those around you. Or you can proclaim that this is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. And leave the cross bearing to the One who does it best.

Let us pray. Our Great God. We thank You today for Your faithfulness and Your mercy and grace. You're always there when we need You. You've never turned us away and You've never failed us. You've never failed to fulfill Your promises to us and to Your world. In our troubles and trials and when the road seemed long, You've been right there with us and You've helped us through, and we give You thanks and praise today. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Religion on 09/03/2014