The “Just Give Me Jesus” revival this weekend was wonderful. Part of Friday’s message has stuck with me, so I thought I would mention it here. Anne Graham Lotz walked us through Christ’s experiences leading up to his arrest and crucifixion, not the least of which was the suffering he endured. We often hear the story and think of Jesus as the victim — mistreated, abused, tortured — and certainly he did experience horrific pain and agony.

What we fail to remember, though, is that he had the power to call down legions of angels at any moment to intervene. As if he would even need the assistance of angels! Just the very pronouncement of his holy Name caused the guards who had come to arrest him to fall flat on their faces. Yet, he willingly gave himself over to be bound, arrested and subjected to the intense pain and suffering of the cross … for me. He knew that every step was part of God’s will.

It’s hard for us to think that binding/suffering could actually be part of God’s will. We want to serve a happy-go-lucky God who makes us healthy, wealthy and comfortable. Sometimes, though — for reasons far beyond our comprehension or understanding — God’s will includes our discomfort. We may not know why, at the time. Indeed, we may never know why!!

One thing I do know, at least in my experience, is that God will always bring people into my path who need to know what I’ve endured so that it can strengthen their own faith during a time of great challenge for them. When my longtime boyfriend broke up with me in college and all the plans I’d dreamt for my young adult life suddenly changed, I met girl after girl who needed to hear that there is a God who adores them and finds them ravishing. Even in these fiercely painful months coping with the death of my brother, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with so many people about the hope that we have in Christ. I pray that I may be willing and open to letting God use my suffering to his glory and for his will.