Living with God in recovery often presents difficult challenges such as: waiting for something we feel desperately in need of right now; not retaliating with anger when someone offends us; living with less when we could scam our way into having more; and facing the consequences of revealing a difficult truth. In spite of the immediate pain we may feel, God promises that we will be blessed when we make the right choice and do the next right thing.
Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (Matthew 5:10 NIRV)
The greatest example for us to follow is Jesus. He did no wrong and therefore did not deserve punishment and death. Yet, to pay the penalty for our sins, Jesus was willing to be nailed to a cross and die there. While He was suffering on that cross many who watched, or passed by, made fun of Him. Jesus knew that His Father’s plan for Him was to offer up His life so those made in God’s image could be forgiven for their sins and restored to eternal life with their Heavenly Father. So, despite the false evidence spoken against Him, the suffering, and the mocking, Jesus willingly remained on the cross and died for the sins of the whole world.
Those who passed by shouted at Jesus and made fun of him. They shook their heads. In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders made fun of him. “He saved others,” they said. “But he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross! Then we will believe in him. In the same way the rebels who were being crucified with Jesus also made fun of him. (Matthew 27:39, 41-42, 44 NIRV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Suffering is never easy to endure. Help me to choose what is right rather than what is convenient. Help me to honour You in all my ways rather than simply going along with the crowd. Amen
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