This pastor and her husband recently divorced.
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From: O.Addison Gethers
To: Deaf-blind inspirational life groups ; Christian bible study groups
Sent: Sunday, April 05, 2009 8:30 AM
Subject: {dbilg} The Cross: Strength and Grace Under Pressure! devotional
from S F April 5
Sunday, April 05, 2009
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The Cross: Strength and Grace Under Pressure!
Pastor Paula White
As we enter the season of the Cross, I thank Our Lord and Savior not only for
the finished work He completed through His ultimate sacrifice...the work of
our salvation - but also for the Cross as a daily reminder of true strength
and grace under pressure. We can learn a lot about dealing with the pressure,
burdens, and crosses in our own lives by examining what Scripture reveals of
Christ's words and behavior on the Cross:
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
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Talk about grace! Here Christ shows us a great response to pressure: avoiding
the "blame game." Rather than looking for who or what we can blame for our
present trouble, we should immediately ask God to come into the situation -
and ask for His strength and grace to handle the pressure at hand.
He said to his mother: "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple:
"Here is your mother." (John 19:26-27 NIV)
Even while He was going through it, Jesus was able to offer words of comfort,
care and support to those around Him. While our cross might be painful to
us, others around us may very well be suffering as well. Ask God to give
strength to not only you, but your friends and loved ones as well. Praying for
others during your own trials can help take the focus off your own pain, and
open you up to God's healing Spirit.
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
It's fine to let God know what you're going through, during your times of
trouble. God is not afraid of your emotions, your doubts, or your questions.
When
Jesus asked His Father this question, He already knew the answer: God had not
forsaken Him, and His ultimate victory was only a few days away. Even as
you ask "Why me, God?" -- know that God has your back...and that you have
ultimate victory and salvation through Christ!
I am thirsty... (John 19:28 NIV)
When He let those around Him know of his thirst, although death was imminent,
Jesus was still acknowledging the needs of His temple/body. Accordingly, we
must also take care of ourselves as best we can -- physically, emotionally,
and spiritually -- during times of trial. Exercise, eat right, and rest your
body to retain your strength!
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my
spirit"... (Luke 23:46 NIV)
Ultimately, we must accept God's will for our lives. We must put our lives
into God's hands, as Jesus did, with total faith and trust, believing that His
will for our lives will prevail, no matter how difficult our present trial
is.
As we enter the season of the Cross, it's important to let God know through
prayer and thanksgiving that we are glad He is there for us at every moment
of our lives. And look to the Cross to find strength and grace during your
own times of trial and pressure...because His grace truly is amazing!
Pastor Paula White
O. Addison Gethers
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