“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal 2:20
Recent circumstances have inspired me to write about being crucified with Christ, and I believe the Holy Spirit wants to challenge all of us in this particular area… Does God mean everything to you? Will you magnify Jesus more than anything that is going on with you or anything that is going on around you? Can you put your money where your mouth is? Or are you just giving God lip service? Through all of the hurt and chaos in your life, can you honestly say “Not my will but yours be done?”
“There’s nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won’t solve,” is something I’ve read a while ago that really sunk into my soul; and it always comes to the forefront of my mind when I let outer circumstances dictate the way I should feel and respond. Without a doubt, the problem most of us have is too much of “us” and not enough of Jesus and the cross. When confronted with these words, what goes through your mind?
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm116:15
Whenever we stress over a matter, get angry over a daily circumstance, or seek to have our own way – it is a sign that our flesh still has some life and needs to die. That statement sometimes hits me like a ton of bricks. I’ve lost so much and died to so much already. The thought of more death makes me cringe. But I have to believe He sees my darkness. He’s the only One who knows the full measure of what I am forced to bear; and yet He permits it… I cannot explain anything about the grace He has given me. I can’t put into words the deep reassurance of His presence that He has planted in my life.
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
There was a time when I could argue with that. Perhaps you’re struggling, but I am here to tell you that it’s true. It will only be made true in your life when you surrender and stop striving against what God has placed in your life. Here is something I do know… the weaker I am, the more I must lean on Jesus – and the more stronger He becomes to me! He understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself. And is that not what it’s all about? So persevere, my friends… persevere.