Real Talk, Real FreedomНамуна

The truth is that faith in God does not guarantee a pain-free existence.   Believers are not exempt from hardship or difficulty.  We have all walked through levels of loss and have been disoriented in the midst of it.    

For some,  we’ve been wounded, abused, neglected or betrayed by the actions of others.  Injustice or prejudices have also caused deep hurt.   In other instances, we’ve experienced self-inflicted pain and we’ve  lived with regret from a myriad of life  decisions.  Within this year in particular, all of these experiences have been amplified.  We’ve experienced increased anxiety and intense strain.   

However, central to our faith is the imagery of the cross.   The cross of Jesus has always been an image of real pain and real suffering.   Jesus identifies with  all of your pain and suffering - he went through it both  on a physical and  emotional level.    

The cross,  despite  its darkest moments,  is paradoxically a sign  of victory and freedom.   It is a picture of healing and hope.   This is the Good News that we declare and celebrate as believers.   Jesus went through it and overcame darkness in exchange for our freedom.  His scars tell of our possibilities,  our release and recovery; they’re reminders of our pain and His resurrection is our promise for a life free from condemnation. 

Questions   

We can easily forget that Jesus was a man  of suffering and acquainted with grief;  we can find  ultimate safety, courage, and victory in him.   Take heart!    

Have you disqualified yourself (or others) from freedom because of lingering pain and suffering?  Choose a scripture from today’s reading to declare over your life or someone connected to you.