He went on, "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the religious leaders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and on the third day be raised up alive."
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? --Luke 9:22-23 (The Message)
We are at the half-way point of our Lenten Journey. I had an email from a friend who was working hard at her spiritual disciplines trying to please God and grow her spiritual life. She felt as if nothing was happening and in fact was angry about that. But as soon as she admitted it a sweet peace came over her – she needed to rest in the love and care of Jesus.
Don’t give up. It’s good to have a feeling of discontent with our spiritual life from time to time. Then we know our hearts have not grown hard – the Holy Spirit is still tilling the soil and planting the seeds and pulling up the weeds. But don’t let your discontent cause you grief – believe that you can do nothing and believe that God can do anything. All that is required is letting go and following close to Jesus.
As the day goes along recall to mind the love God has for you. Recall to your mind the gift Jesus is – through his life, through the cross, through the resurrection. And remember, He’s praying for you. Don’t let go of the fact that the Spirit is within you and without and everywhere. This is living in the Kingdom – receiving His righteousness, peace, and joy and allowing Him to dispense the same through you wherever you go and whatever you’re doing.
“Father, we place ourselves in Your kind hands. Please be at work in us growing us into the image of Christ. Amen”
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