Easter seems early this year, and I’m not ready to celebrate it. The holiday allows me to contemplate my relationship with Jesus and what it means to be a Christian. I often fall into the trap of wanting God to take care of me, to fill my needs, and not allow hurtful or difficult things to happen to me, creating a utopia where everything is good. I found this short article and wanted to share it. I thought it was so good.
“I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine. “
“I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves, he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king. “
“I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her own family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.”
“And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path, that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.”
“And oh, friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change our path. I want to stop your pain. But right now, I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows that good this pain will produce. He knows the beauty of this hardship will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.”
“So, Instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father I’m asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I’m asking Him to help you prayerful and discerning. I’m asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. And I’m believing He’s going to use your life in a powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.”
Written by Kimberly Henderson of Prov. 31 Ministries
