He turns our mourning into joy
What is the greatest hurt or pain you’ve ever had to go through? I’ve had many, as I’m sure you all have. I’ve been hurt by people I love, betrayed by those I’ve trusted, abandoned, talked about, forgotten, and so much more. (Yet, I’ve probably also been that person, the one doing the gossiping, betraying, hurting. None of us are innocent. We will address this in another post.) I’ve lost people I have loved, had two miscarriages, and many people have said hurtful things to me and about me. I feel like I’ve been trampled on, disregarded, and discarded as trash many times. But, no matter what level of pain we’ve endured or how we’ve been hurt, Jesus can relate to our pain and suffering. In fact, he endured the betrayal, slander, and pain to the point of his death.
Who is it that betrayed you? Jesus was betrayed by Judas (Matthew 26:14-16). Have you been rejected? Jesus was rejected by Peter (John 18:15-27), who was supposed to be his dearest brother/best friend. Who has talked bad about you? Jesus was ridiculed, spit at (Matthew 26:67), and made fun of leading up and to the point of his crucifixion. Who has abandoned you? Jesus disciples left him and the Bible describes him crying out to our Heavenly Father asking “why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) while he was hanging on the cross. What other pains or hurts have you gone through? Jesus was whipped and flogged (John 19:1). You may have read the post about how I lost my brother. Well, Jesus also wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35). He’s endured more than we can image so whatever it is, I promise you that Jesus can relate to you (more than you will ever know).
On top of that, Jesus wants to help you. Jesus is not some fiction person made up to make us feel better. He is alive and very real and he wants to heal you, to make you whole again. He wants you to come out stronger, for we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). He wants to walk with you as you endure, and bring you out victorious and to a greater level. He wants to turn your ashes into beauty, give your joy instead of mourning, and praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61). He wants to give you hope, a future, peace, and gladness. He has a plan and a purpose for you. He wants to fight your battles and perform miracles for you. He wants to do exceeding abundantly above all for you, more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). He wants you to enjoy life, and give you everlasting life! So the big question is‚ Will you let him?
Let’s Pray.
Father God, Almighty Creator,
We praise you and give you all the glory. You are charming and full of power and wonder! We are so glad you are with us. Father, I lift all these readers up to you in the name of Jesus. We’ve all experienced hurt, pain, and sufferings. You have seen us struggle, weep, and withdraw. You have seen every hurt, pain, and scar prick our heart, and you been with us through it all. Lord, I pray that these readers would choose to let you heal them. Remove any doubt they have and give them an undeniable personal encounter with you so that they would truly see your love and glory. You love them Lord, and you don’t give us more than we can handle. Pour out your love on them so they can be delivered and healed. Use their pain and sufferings to bring them to a new level. Thank you God for every battle scar we have has a purpose. There is no pain too great for you to heal. You are our Great Physician (John 5:1-9) and Protector. Heal them Father and comfort them. Replace their mourning with joy and turn their ashes into beauty. We see how you gave Job double his blessings and brought him out of his grueling grief. God you are so wonderful, and such a good, good gather. We pray for breakthrough, healing, and victory in our lives and those we love Jesus’ Great Name! Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
