Why I rejoice in my suffering…

Some people ask how I can smile despite a broken neck, quadriplegia, battling cancer, and chronic pain. My answer? Jesus — the Man of Sorrows. And it’s especially true on this Good Friday. Jesus was humiliated, flogged, beaten, and accused of a wrong He had never committed; He was crucified — hung up on a cross like meat on a hook. For six grueling hours, Jesus endured excruciating, harrowing pain — to the point of crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15; John 19; Matthew 27). And it’s on days like today, when I experience terrible pain, when I to feel like perhaps God has forgotten me — that I am reminded that I am not alone. Jesus bore abandonment by His Father, so that he might say to me, “I will never forsake you, never leave you!” It’s a precious reminder for you, too, dear friend. Because whatever your hardship — whether it be chronic pain, a broken marriage, a wayward son, or a pink slip — remember that God sees your misery, He hears your cry, and He KNOWS your pain. And through Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit, you too can “rejoice in your suffering” (Romans 5).

And friend, we would love to pray for you, so share your confidential prayer requests with us by emailing our Prayer Team at [email protected].