Imagine the weeping Prophet, Jeremiah. This is a man with such a tender heart that it was distressing for him to have to proclaim to those who knew him, those he grew up with in the House of Judah (including Jerusalem), just how fiercely angry God was with them and how God planned to humble them for their arrogance and disobedience toward Him, their one true God!

My grief is beyond healing;
    my heart is broken.
¹⁹ Listen to the weeping of my people;
    it can be heard all across the land.
“Has the Lord abandoned Jerusalem?^[a]” the people ask.
    “Is her King no longer there?”

“Oh, why have they provoked my anger with their carved idols
    and their worthless foreign gods?” says the Lord. Jeremiah 8:18-19

It hurts and it’s frustrating when words, meant for warning, meant for good, yes — eternal good — are not received in the Spirit they are spoken. It’s heart wrenching to those who’ve devoted their lives to another, year after year proving their loyalty — no reason not to trust — are not trusted or the heart behind the words, heard. Worse even when the words are twisted. It’s tough to accept.

Believers need to get used to it.

“(For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.)” John 4:44

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Tim 4:3

“The time will come…” is here. Actually, it’s been here for a while now. It’s just getting worse. So if what is being said, something that has been prayed about (Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2) is a matter of salvation, and not simply a matter of opinion, nor spoken in self-righteousness condemnation, nor anger and it isn’t being received then leave it God’s hand and keep loving the person unconditionally. Although it’s a challenge to remain silent, especially where loved ones are concerned, and those of whom may hold power over others, it’s important to realize that hard words can only be spoken to soft hearts. Wisdom is needed here.

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.
⁹ Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:7-9

Believers may find they’re often in the company of those professing Jesus who also seem unable to understand them when they speak about weighty matters. So be it. Regardless of how this situation came to be, the Lord is in control and the commitment to Him is still to deny oneself, lay down one’s life, and follow Him to the Cross. Especially now.

Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:51

And no “resounding gongs.” (1 Cor 13:1)

Followers of Jesus don’t get to write how the story is to be played out and there just very well may be times when serious trouble is seen from afar, and walking right into it may be the only way through. Faith in God demands completely letting go of the controls, come what may.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Jesus was accused, spit on, crown of thorns, words twisted, all of it and more. He knew from the beginning what was coming and in the end, for the most part all he said was “Father, forgive them…” He could have ended the abuse with a blink of an eye if he had wanted to. But a love so deep we can’t understand. The plan of salvation made between he and the Father was one He had to see through. No matter the cost. To himself.

Today, followers are called to no less.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

Keep praying.

Press on.

God knows.

When fear and terror strikes our heart — the finances, the kids, our health, the future. When we wonder just what on earth life as in store for us as we perceive the dangers all around, we need to stop the runaway train of thoughts and look to Jesus.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Jesus does not want his followers living in a state of perpetual insecurity because by doing so the focus in not on Him but on ourselves and that will never produce the fruit in any arena that God expects from us. That we ourselves desire most, too!

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41

When we find ourselves growing anxious because of our own lives, the headlines or the suffering we’re seeing even with our own two eyes, we first need to accept the reality, pray fervently, and then press on in meeting the needs as best as we can placing our hope in Him — thee only one who overcame death. The only one who promises he’ll be there for us to the very end of the age.

The Sovereign King.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name Phil 2:9

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation: 19:16

These people know sorrow, they know grief, they know pain and are longsuffering and yet

still interested and active in life

still caring what’s going on around them

still rising above their wounds and scars

So we don’t give up, either. Like those before us, we learn to exalt Jesus, especially when we’re going through trials.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  character; and character, hope.                       Romans 5:4

And when we hold on, praising Him — however long the trial — our faith in Him grows stronger.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.                                                Hebrews 12

Followers of Jesus persevere — keeping the end in mind.

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Revelation 22

Mary, the mother of Jesus — only begotten Son of our Heavenly Father — was chosen by God amongst all women to bring forth the Savior of the world. (Luke 1:26-38) It’s nearly impossible to imagine.

Mary also had the equally impossible to consider, yet this time agonizing role, of knowing her innocent son was being accused, beaten, and tortured. And that was even before she observed his crucifixion.

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,^[a] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. (Matt 25:56-57)

This world, being the place where the devil rules, is cruel, unreasonable, and relentless in its pursuit to stomp out the light. And if you are genuinely trying to follow Jesus today, you can be sure you have an enemy who despises you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

For many mothers, if not most, children are an area of vulnerability. Mothers may believe they’ve surrendered everything to Jesus but discover that when their child’s welfare is threatened, regardless of how it comes about, that lurking in their hearts may be a terror like none other. With the dark days continually pressing in on everyone, a believing mother’s faith in God and understanding of His sovereignty must deepen.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.^[b](Luke 17:1-2)

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)

The bible doesn’t mention Mary much past her witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion except that she was present at the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:14, 2:1-4). But what we do know about her is that from the very beginning, this gentle woman put her trust and faith in God and as a result, she was able to endure the unimaginable. She leaves for mothers the world over a remarkable example to be resolved on this matter.

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Dear Friend, the good Lord knows the depth of a mother’s love for her children. He better than anyone understands the pain as it relates to children, so be confidently assured of His deep compassion.

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27

God loves you and He is able.

“…Pray without ceasing..” (1 Thess 5:17)

“Your right hand, O Lord, is majestic in power,
Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. (Exodus 15:6)

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  (Romans 12:17-18)

If we’re reading this thinking, “Everyone?” or “Impossible!” then we may just be right if Jesus on the Cross isn’t at the forefront of our mindset.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26

Our ability to be like Jesus in the heat of the battle, however challenging it may be starts with the understanding of just why exactly Jesus came to die for us and a constant awareness of our mission. By recalling His great passion, it fortifies us with such gratitude, a love for Him so real and true that we don’t want our neighbor to miss seeing Him because of us. We don’t want to be the deliberate cause of unresolved angst and brokenness in our relationships. We don’t want to help the devil steal, kill, and destroy, so ideally we do all that we can to avoid making a tense situation worse.

“…as far as it depends upon you…”

But what about when we fall short? What about the many times we repeatedly fail, especially with those who have the ability to push our buttons the most?

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:19)

Then consider the following and make the necessary adjustments.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Cor 10:13

 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

Through consistent genuinely fervent prayer we’ll receive the grace necessary to keep our wounds, frustrations, and impatience in perspective; considering what is at stake, what matters most.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Only with a heart filled with love for Jesus, for what he’s done for us, will we be able to live at peace with everyone.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

What more can we ask for then to have the past regrets and heartaches turned into good for someone else, redeeming us and healing us in the process? What better way for God to be glorified through us than to take our guilt or devastation that Satan used to either steel, kill, or destroy — because that’s all that he does (John 10:10) — and use it for the good of another soul, ultimately shining the light on the mercy of Jesus?

In our sorrow God enables us to perceive if even a glimpse of his precious son’s suffering; the spotless lamb. He who had no sin deliberately put himself through this humiliating and undeserved death because He loves us so much. We also may need to understand and accept there’s really no other way for us to become like Him unless we walk through some fire, and that some will walk through more than others.

“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death..” Phillipian 3:10“

As the days go by and we willingly continue to lay every last bit of our troubled heart and mind at the Cross of Jesus, holding to His teachings, then we become set free. His stripes ultimately heal us and others in turn are blessed through our mercy, compassion, and understanding.

“…so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky”… (Phillipians 2:15)

The past won’t hurt forever. Even when heart-wrenching memories or our choices still have the capacity to bring pain in this life, they have limits, too. Someday there will come a point and time when Lord willing He says to us “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Meanwhile, we remember to forgive as we have been forgiven.

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, ¹⁵ but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”(Matthew 6:14-15)

Life has its twists and turns, hills and valleys, too many round-a-bouts it seems, but God promises to be there through all of it, helping us to get home once and for all where there he promises a much different world than the one we know.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev 21:4)

What a grand part of the Master’s plan to point to the mercy of Jesus that leads to repentance than to take the blows to our heart, sometimes our mind, too, or the remorse from any of our choices and flip them all on their head bringing the victory home for Jesus.

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

There is obviously much vying for our attention these days. This constant bombardment of distractions, ranging from the mundane to the anxiety-producing to the spectacular is a danger to us all. From Believers to those who are not yet following Him, the result is the same — a pulling away from the one thing needful; the one and only thing that is going to make the most difference. In the here and now and beyond.

In Jesus’ day when he was travelling with a group of his disciples there was a woman named Martha and she opened her home to them. She had a sister named Mary who spent the time He was in their home sitting at his feet, listening and learning — paying attention to what really counts while Martha wasted the precious opportunity fussing in the kitchen with all the preparations. It seemed to Martha that Jesus’ simply didn’t care that she had all this work to do. She felt hurt and frustrated and more or less accuses Jesus of not caring about her. (Luke 10:38-42)

But how does Jesus calmly respond to Martha’s accusation?

But one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42

Though we may fail regularly, as his followers, it needs to be our constant aim to connect with Jesus daily in his Word, in our prayers and by our quiet deeds because for one, He alone is worthy,

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

It is worth considering if there’s anyone more important to spend time each day. One whose love is eternally perfect, able to bring healing and peace to broken hearts and souls, able to help any of us make sense of this world, history, and our place in it simply by being in constant contact with him.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3

The one thing needful, clinging to Jesus, is not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the Cross, for the world to be able to see Him through his followers. He did His part.

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14: 12-14

Will we do ours?