PAIN FOR A PURPOSE
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” Hebrews 13:12-13, ESV
Theme: Sacrifice can feel like a death to what we want or desire, yet Jesus showed us how to persist beyond the temporary pain for what is eternal.
A QUICK BIRTH STORY
Let me start out by saying that, in general, I have a pretty low pain tolerance. My mom used to dread when I would get a splinter because she said all the neighbors were going to hear me scream when she tried to remove it. That’s why, when we fast-forward to my first pregnancy, my husband was initially shocked when I told him I wanted to go without an epidural for as long as possible during birth. I knew I wasn’t looking forward to the pain, but I also believed that was the best route for me personally. That ended up being the approach I took with all three of my babies, and I was thankful that my children’s births felt like incredibly empowering experiences. Yes, it was a sacrifice. Yes, there was a lot of pain, but I knew that the pain had a purpose – it was bringing my baby into the world.
SACRIFICING FOR THE BETTER
A good friend I grew up with left the faith several years ago, and one of her reasons was she felt like Christianity called her to do things she didn’t want to do. The more I’ve reflected on that over the years, the more I’ve actually found it to be true. There have been many times I would have rather chosen my own path or followed my own inclinations. Many things have not been easy, and I have shed tears of both mourning and surrender with different things God has called me to.
Following Christ as your true Lord does require sacrifices, but leaning too much on that side of the equation is short-sided. We sacrifice because we know there is something better coming. When you’re saving for a home or a vacation, you make budget sacrifices because you know something better is on the other side. The same is true of our Christian walk; Jesus sacrificed Himself and went through the pain of coming to Earth and the cross for something better. Just like the pain from childbirth brings forth the gift of life, on the other side of sacrifice, we find a relationship with the one true God and an eternity together worshipping Him.
Make It Personal: Where have you felt the call to sacrifice in your life to follow and honor God? Take some time to reflect on what Jesus sacrificed for us and to count the blessings that He provided on the other side of your sacrifice.
Pray: Father God, it’s impossible to talk about sacrifice without looking to You and thanking You for sending Your son, Jesus, for us. Thank You that You understand what our sacrifices feel like. Help me to have an eternal perspective when faced with the tough choices life can bring and to always lean on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: James 1:2-8,12; 1 Peter 5:6-10
Weekly Memory Verse: “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10, NLT