"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, Eli, Eli, lama saachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
I have a Christian friend who is raising a child who was born severely disabled. He has had numerous surgeries already in his short life, and has needs that are challenging to meet on a daily basis.
For a time, my friend struggled with depression. She had "been strong" for a long time, held it together well on the outside, while on the inside she was falling apart.
During this time she realized the importance of acknowledging that she is human, that she doesn't have it all together, and that it is futile, even detrimental, to try to conceal her weaknesses and struggles.
I think there are many people who struggle in this same area, who are afraid that if they express their fears, bare their scars, or acknowledge the anguish in their spirits, that their Christian testimonies will be hurt.
They build up walls of brick around their hearts in effort to hide the tumult that is going on within. Yet that is not what the world needs to see...or who.
People need to see that we are real, and that we hurt, suffer, and even question...just like everyone else.
Yet the similarities end there.
As we set our eyes upon the cross, choosing to view things from an eternal perspective rather than a simple, earthly one, then they will see Him.
As we keep trusting that our battles have already been won, and that things will ultimately turn out for our best, and for the good of others in our circles of influence, then they will see Him.
As we seek meaning and purpose in the heart wrenching situations that we are handed, setting our eyes upon Him in the midst of it all, then they will see Him.
Paul's words in a time of suffering demonstrate this truth better than anything else.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Rest in Him, my friends.
