by Terry Rush
That phrase rings familiar to those who have sung the great old hymns along the way. It is with focused concentration that we ponder the strength we verbalize in song.
One of the things about Jesus that is both terrific and gratifying is that He knows the course to give us meaningful life. Living on purpose with purpose is, indeed, fulfilling. And, we surely want to feel that our walk makes a difference.
So take a look at Jesus. Where did he seem to go? What did he seem to encounter. Why did he find that special purpose of which I speak?
Jesus’ ministry excelled because he traveled the pathways of brokenness. Think about it… seriously.
Jesus didn’t heal the healthy. It was the ill who gave his call meaning. Jesus didn’t avoid the unsettled masses. It was the hope he could offer that drew him to the distraught. Jesus took on life storms and taught dear ones of the community just how to walk upon such strenuous times of turbulent waters.
So it is with and for us. Getting out of troubling times may be our druthered goal; but don’t let the value of the interruptive moment slip away. It is within the contents of your rugged days that healing for others can be learned… and, yes, expressed.
Your suffering isn’t intended for you… just as Jesus’ wasn’t for him. He suffered that others (we) might live. So does ours have identical purpose… others oriented.
Think about it. We have incredible opportunity to expand the Kingdom of God in those very specific times when everything seems to be going wrong. In those moments, the Cross concept is unfolding… so do what we may to recognize it and use it… to win the world.
Jesus entered the race and set the pace. The way to win others is to lose yourself. He taught it. He exemplified it. And… my friend… he meant it. Let it be our conviction what where Jesus leads… we will follow.
