A New Season... When one door shuts, another door opens

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1-2

Tom and I recently entered a new season in life! As of June 30, 2024 we are no longer innkeepers. The owners of the Inn had to make a difficult, but necessary, decision to close the B&B. The timing was good, and we were all ready for this to happen. We had been innkeepers for almost 15 years (since October 15th 2009) and God had been preparing our hearts for a while, so we were ready for this change. We just didn't know what the next step was, and as of this writing, we are still not sure of all that God has planned for us. 

When we were informed of this decision to close the Inn, we had no clue where we would go or what we would do, we were ready, we just didn’t have any answers yet, lol. The thing about being resident innkeepers is that our residence and our job are at the same place. So, we lost both our job and our home at the same time. We were thankful that we were given ample time to make a plan and find something else. They waited longer than they wanted to close the Inn because they did not want to put us out on the street. But I told them that God had a plan and they needed to take care of them first and foremost. Keeping the Inn open was causing them a great deal of stress and I wanted them to take care of themselves and I knew God would take care of us.

Interestingly their announcement came just days after I was scheduled for knee replacement surgery. I saw my orthopedic surgeon on Friday, May 10th, surgery was scheduled for August 5th, and they let us know about the Inn closing on the following Monday, May 13th. This was not bad luck but very much a part of God's plan. Getting deeper into the details, the surgery being scheduled made it so that I couldn't get a new job because I would be out of work for 6 weeks after the surgery for recovery and rehab, and who would hire me knowing that? Also, because most of our "compensation" at the Inn translated into free rent and utilities, our actual income was so low that I qualified for Medicaid, based on our poverty level income, and that coverage is what is paying for the knee surgery (btw, they had just changed the law in NC and this new law was effective as of December 2023! God’s perfect timing maybe??)  If I, or Tom, get a job it would kick me out of that income level and I would lose the coverage, and I would end up having to pay for the surgery out of pocket, which is not an option. So, we were in quite the pickle! Again, this was not an accident, mistake, or bad luck, but this was God's perfect plan. I felt like he "funneled" us into the direction He needed us to go.

“…And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3

I have been working with an elderly woman, Gerry, who just turned 94 in July, since August of 2008. I work with her two days a week and lately she has been needing a little more care. I had been thinking she would need me another day and had talked with her about it but it hadn't happened just yet. When she found out about our situation, she was concerned that we would find a place to live that would be out of the area and I wouldn't be able to help her anymore. Initially when we got the news of the Inn closing, I got on LinkedIn and was looking at other innkeeper jobs and applied for a couple on the coast and in the mountain areas, just to see what would happen but not really expecting anything to come of it. I mentioned this to Gerry and she started getting a bit distressed thinking about me not being able to be with her anymore. But just like I told the owners of the Inn, she wanted us focus on us and what we needed and not to worry about her. Another aspect of this is, with the knee surgery, even if we found a place locally (we had a couple friends offer their homes for us to stay in) I would still be out of commission for 6 weeks and wouldn't be able to work with her then either. 

Gerry lives in a townhome that, initially when I first started working with her, she shared with her sister Faye. Faye lived on the second floor and Gerry lives on the first floor. Faye passed away in 2010 so the second floor has been unoccupied since then, except when she had family visiting from out of town. Over the years, if Tom and I got into an argument, I would joke with Gerry that I was moving in with her, lol. That has been something we had joked about but never considered seriously, until now. One morning, when Tom and I were still at the Inn, I was talking with a guest who was there looking to relocate to the area and we were sharing our stories and talking about how God will take care of us, but we just needed to wait for His perfect timing. It was then that I felt God say that we needed to be with Gerry. It was one of those very clear, goose pimply, God moments and I just knew that that was where we were supposed to be!! So, I called Gerry's daughter-in-law, she was the one who hired me to work for Gerry, and laid out our situation and asked if she would be ok with us approaching Gerry about living with her until we could get the surgery and recovery done. She was fine with it, but said the decision ultimately was Gerry's, and suggested that we determine an end date so Gerry wouldn't feel like we would be there forever. So, the next time I was with Gerry, I laid out our situation, and asked if she would be ok if we stayed with her until I could get back on my feet. I told her not to give me an answer right away but to pray about it and talk with her family over the weekend and let me know on Monday what her decision was. Well, she called me on Saturday and said she felt the same way as she did when I asked her on Thursday, that she wanted to help us out and that we could move in with her. Wow. Thank you, God!

We moved in on Sunday, June 30th and have been here for a month now. Since we have been here, Gerry has needed even more care for certain medical conditions that have occurred during this time and her family has said a few times just how glad they are that we are here with her now! In addition, now that we are here, when I have my surgery and recovery time, Tom will be here to take care of me and her! This has worked out so perfectly for both of us! We needed a place to stay and she needed someone to be here with her. Was this an accident?? No. Only God.

The next question is, after the knee surgery and recovery, what will we do? Will we stay here or will God move us somewhere else? My sense now is that we will stay because I think Gerry will continue to need more care as time goes by and it is just so much easier for us to be HERE with her. I do know we will get other jobs because Tom's social security check isn't even close to being enough. We lost the Inn income (rooms and tips) and, since we are not paying rent, I told Gerry not to pay me for the care I give her, so we lost over half of our overall income. Once my knee is healed, my options will open up more. I can work anywhere really, but I think I will look into helping other elderly people. I know there is a big need out there so I may look further into that…? This is just a thought, but I know that God will reveal in His perfect timing what He already has planned for us.

This is where we are now. August 3rd, and my knee surgery is just two days away! So, I am gearing up for that big event and will do what I need to do to get back on my feet. I felt like I needed to write this blog because it literally is the end of an era for us, and the beginning of a new one. God miraculously provided for us, opening the door at the Inn over 14 years ago, providing a place for us after we were nomadic for 15 months. Back then the journey was quite stressful, bordering on terrifying, and incredibly life changing, in a good way. We have learned so much about God and ourselves while we were at the Inn that we are certainly not the same people, but we are continuously being transformed. He opened the door then, and He has closed it now. But the journey is certainly NOT over! The cool part is that, compared to the journey into the Inn, we can see just how much our faith and trust in God has increased and our anxiety level has, very noticeably, decreased as we watch Him work, moving us into this next season. (If you are interested in reading about our journey into the Inn, you can find it here: Caterpillar's to Butterfly's )

Yesterday's Oswald was good for this topic:

The Teaching of Adversity - John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. ...

If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." He is saying, "There is nothing for you to fear." ...

God does not give us overcoming life --- He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength....

God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can "be of good cheer" even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.

Father, thank you so much for your amazing attention to details and your care for us! You truly are an incredible loving father who wants, most of all, for us to KNOW you through our circumstances! Thank you for the PEACE that comes from knowing that You are always with me and that Your plan is perfect and my life’s needs have been known by you and provided for long before time began. There are NO accidents or mistakes, just Your amazing plan and timing. With all of my love, Linda

(The pictures I have inserted were all taken at the B&B while we were there… we have hundreds, if not thousands, of them so these are just a few of the favorites)

Extra Credit Reading:

I felt like I would be remiss if I didn’t share just how amazing being at the B&B was. The owner and I would joke, and tell people/guests that, while we made a great team together, Tom and I got the better end of the deal because we got to stay in her beautiful B&B for free and she had to pay all the bills!! Her B&B was truly amazing and the yard was spectacular! It was over 6 acers with a pond, and for a while she had a wonderful swan named Romeo that made the pond look majestic. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2016. The nature we got to see on a daily basis was always breathtaking. The kitchen sink window looked out over the pond and, while I was doing the dishes, I got to see so many wonderful things in nature; The critters, the weather, the sunrises, the changing of the seasons… It was all so nice. I also LOVED working in the yard, with the flowers and the critters, it was very therapeutic for me.

I also enjoyed making the breakfasts for the guests! I was making healthy breakfasts for Tom and I before working at the Inn so it was easy for me to shift into breakfasts for the guests. My people pleasing and approval seeking tendencies worked well in this area, lol! I found a lot of easy and wonderful “guest pleasing” recipes and some became regular staples. But I really liked it when guests had dietary restrictions that I had to find new and unique recipes for. It helped break up the repetition of the “regular” fare. When I had a little bit of extra time and energy, I would find, and try out, new and interesting recipes on the guests and made them my guinea pigs, lol. They didn’t seem to mind it too much.

Of course, we wouldn’t have even had a job if it wasn’t for the guests themselves. We had SO many God appointments I lost count and we came to believe that everyone who walked through the door of the Inn was brought there by God, whether we talked about God or not, they were served, loved and prayed for. God’s presence at that Inn was so peaceful and calming, many guests said they slept better there than at any other time. And there were many times I would walk away from those God appointment conversations just blown away by what God just did. The guests truly were the best part of our job. In almost 15 years I can honestly say that most of the guests were amazing, wonderful, and very special people. We made so many new friends and we hope to stay in touch with several of them.

The reason we were “ready” to move to the next season in our life was mainly due to feeling like we were “aging out” of the job, lol. I will be 64 this year, and Tom is 66, and we were so busy all the time, the work was constant, and we were always having to be “on” 24/7… I guess we were just feeling burned out. That, and the fact that my knee was getting worse and preventing me from doing the things I would normally be able to do.

The owners of the Inn are amazing, kind, thoughtful and generous people, with a fun, silly streak, and it was an honor and a privilege to have been able to work for them for so long. I know that God has them, and us, in His Hands and we look forward to seeing what He will do next.

Has it been three days?

“Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." Matthew 15:32

Last year I decided to listen to the whole Bible again and now I am back in the gospels. I don’t know what it is about the gospels but I feel more “at home” when I listen to them. Anyway, when I was listening to Matthew, I heard something differently this time. It was when Jesus was ministering to a great crowd of people and He said "… they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way." I was like… wait, what!? THREE days!!?? For some reason the reality of this information hit me with a deeper impact and understanding. Can you image being with a multitude of people, outside, for three days, without food? This must have been an impromptu situation that caught them unprepared…

Here are the scriptures that came before this (15:32); “Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.” Matthew 15:29-31.

These people had been hanging out with Jesus, bringing their lame, blind and crippled, and watched him HEAL them for three days!? Wow. It must have been such an amazing and incredible experience that they were willing to wing it without food, and probably other supplies as well… for three days!

My next thought, after realizing how long they had been there, was that Jesus was fully aware of their circumstances and needs, and He already had a PLAN in place to take care of them. He said he had compassion for them, knowing their physical needs and wanted to provide for them before they went home. He had Compassion and Provision for them. Doesn’t knowing that give you a greater sense comfort? It does for me and it even confirms God’s awareness of our life’s circumstances “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26. Sometimes it feels like He isn’t around or aware of our difficulties, but He is, and He has already made provision for me, and for you!

This “three day” thing really intrigued me so I decided to look up all the scriptures that mentioned the “third day” or “three days” and boy was I surprised!! There were about 40 references for each of those two queries, so about 80 scriptures in total (that may change depending on your translation?)! Sometimes I feel like I am on the “caboose” of the knowledge train, but I had never thought about the Biblical significance of the number three before! There is a lot of significance to say the least! I knew, of course, the common “three days” scriptures of Jesus dying and being raised from the dead on the third day, and the significant reference to Jonah in the belly of the fish for three days, as a foreshadowing of Christ, but in looking up the scriptures I discovered that there are so many more that refer to three days that I never paid attention to.

(Somewhere in my thought process I thought of the Christian rock band Third Day and wondered if they knew the full significance of this title!)

 So, then I Googled the Biblical significance of the number three and got even more insight and information! I found the below information in this website: THE SYMOBLIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THIRD DAY

 “In Scripture the number three is one of the so called "perfect numbers." The other "perfect numbers" are seven, ten, and twelve.  In Scripture the number three signifies completeness or perfection and points to what is solid, real, and substantial.  As a number which indicates completeness, the number three always identifies some important event in Salvation History.”

Well, that was cool!! With God, nothing is without some sort of significance and numbers seem to be a favorite of His! And the number three is super important! I was going to list all the “Third/three day” scriptures but this website did all that work for me (and then some!) so I will cut and paste them here:

In the Old Testament:

• It is the first of the four so called perfect numbers: 3 (divine perfection), 7 (spiritual perfection), 10 (ordinal perfection), and 12 (governmental perfection).  
• The earth was separated from the waters on the 3^rd day.
• There are 3 Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob/Israel.
• The 3 verses of the Priestly Blessing in which the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, God's holy covenant name, appears 3 times (Numbers 6:24-26).
• 3 times the Seraphim cry "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8).
• After the Great Flood mankind descended from the 3 sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
• 3 "men" announced to Abraham that his barren wife would bear a son (Genesis 18:14).
• Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son after a 3-day journey to Mt. Moriah (Genesis 22:1-4).
• Baby Moses was hidden by his mother for 3 months (Exodus 2:1), and the adult Moses requests of Pharaoh that he let Moses take his people on a 3 day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifice to their God (Exodus 3:18).
• There were 3 divisions of the desert Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies (Exodus 27:9; 26:1-30, 35-37; 31-34; 38:9-20; 21-31; 40:1-33; 1 Kings 6:1-37).
• The Theophany at Sinai was on the 3^rd day after the people arrived.
• God is mentioned 3 times in the Shema (the first profession of faith in Deuteronomy 6:4) and 3 times in the blessing in Numbers 23:24.
• There are 3 attributes of God mentioned in Exodus 33:18-19: hen, rachum, and hesed (gracious, compassionate /merciful, and loving kindness).
• Of the 7 Holy Feasts of the Sinai Covenant, 3 are pilgrim feasts in which every man 13 years or older must present himself before God at the Temple in Jerusalem (Exodus 23:14-17; 34:18-23; Deuteronomy 16:5-17; 2 Chronicles 8:13).
• Jonah spent 3 days in the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17); Jonah took a 3 day journey across the city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:3)

 In the New Testament:

 

• Jesus' ministry covered 3 Passovers (John 2:14, 6:4; 12:1).
• Mary stayed with Elizabeth about 3 months (Luke 1:56).
• Jesus was missing for 3 days when He was twelve years old (Luke 2:46).
• Jesus took 3 men, Peter, James and John, up on the Mt. of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1; Mark 2; Luke 9:28).
• Jesus prophesized that He would arise from the dead on the 3rd day (Matthew 16:21: 17:23; 20:19; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34; Luke 9:22; 18:33).
• Saul was blinded for 3 days (Acts 9:9).
• There are 3 theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity (1 Corinthians 13:13).
• The heavenly Jerusalem has 3 gates on each of its four sides (Revelation 21:13)
• Christians saw 3 as symbolic of the Trinity, the triune nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).
• 3 is also recognized as the number of the Holy Spirit. 

There were a few in there that I hadn’t even thought of, like Jesus’ ministry covering three Passovers, the three gates on each side of the new Jerusalem, Saul being blind for three days... And of course, even the number 3 applying to the Trinity! (That was a huge Duhhhh! And forehead slap for me, lol!)

Here are a couple more nuggets from that website:

“In the symbolic language of the Bible, a three day period points to an act of divine intervention which impacts Salvation History…

…It was after the third day that Pharaoh's cupbearer was restored to his former position as Joseph had prophesized in Genesis 40:12-23.  Another reference to restoration on the third day is found in Hosea 6:1-2 where Yahweh tells His prophet a time will come when His covenant people will acknowledge their sins and seek redemption and restoration, as they cry out Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up.  After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.“

I also remembered an Oswald reference of the “third day”:

February 7

Spiritual Dejection - Luke 24:21

“…but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.”

Every fact that the disciples stated was right, but the conclusions they drew from those facts were wrong… What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today "the third day" and He has still not done what I expected?... The purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not of the answer…

…One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life that we realize the magnificent deity of Jesus Christ.  (if you want to read the whole thing you can see it here: The Discipline Of Dejection)

This is one of my favorites from Oswald, reminding me that God is fully aware and at work in my life and the everyday events that I am involved with. And instead of worrying, stressing out, or trying to “fix” things myself, I can have confidence that God is aware and already has a solution and provision ready and prepared for me. And instead of seeking an “answer” I need to seek GOD Himself, who gives the answer. This is most certainly a process as we continue our individual journeys to know God!

This was a very eye opening research topic for me and I learned a lot! Who knew how interesting and important the number 3 was!!? I hope it was for you too! God is SO BIG sometimes we just can’t see Him in all of His glory and intricate detail… we seem to always be looking in the wrong direction or place. These scriptures remind me how faithful, loving and compassionate He is and that I can rest in the knowledge that He has my back, no matter what things look like.

So, are you need of some divine intervention, salvation or restoration in some way? Is it the THIRD day for you (or third month or third year), and you are wondering where He is? I hope this blog gave you some encouragement and hope to hang in there and continue to have faith in His perfect way and timing. He is fully aware of your circumstances and He has compassion for you!! He is right there, ready and willing to help you. So, seek His face and He will redeem you from your circumstances… Your third day redemption is near!

Father, thank you so much for continuing to reveal Yourself to me as I seek You with my whole heart. Thank you that You are such a loving and caring God and that nothing escapes Your notice. Please help me to be patient and trusting as I surrender my life and plans daily to You. 

Look What Happened to Jesus!

 

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.” Revelation 5:1-6

I recently had a very cool revelation. The deeper I go into the idea of trials, suffering and difficulties being a part of God's will, to shape, mold, strengthen and form us, the more I see scriptures that confirm it. And so, of course I want to share these new revelations with you! I know, I know… I have written on this subject many times so thank you for hanging in there with me!

There are many Christians who truly and honestly believe that God would never allow pain, difficulties and suffering on His children but, that instead, He only wants good, nice and easy things to happen to us, like a good earthly father does, right? I mean, that totally makes earthly sense and seems very logical and understandable. Why would we want hardships, difficulties, pain and suffering for our children?? That just seems SO wrong! And we parents strive, sometimes we desperately go out of our way, to protect our children from experiencing anything difficult or painful. That seems more like the RIGHT and best thing to do!! Right?? So, why wouldn't God want the same things for us?? God is totally able to prevent his children from experiencing "bad" things, harm and difficulties, as well as very able to lavish all "good" things on us. But then we come to a place of asking ourselves, so "why" doesn't He? Why is there so much pain, suffering and hardship in this world? (Here is a good blog for when kids suffer: Beauty from Ashes) And we may have personally asked God “Why am I having so much pain, suffering and trauma in my life?” These are all good questions! I will not pretend that I know all the answers but, in my journey to know Him, He has given me a couple of glimpses here and there that may be helpful.

 In a previous blog I talked about how our definition of “good” and “bad” can be very different from God's, (To Him Who Overcomes) and the things we think are bad for us are actually GOOD for us. The results are very helpful in humbling and strengthening us and in teaching us compassion, grace and mercy. And using our difficult experiences to help others go through the same things with wisdom, understanding, compassion and grace. Then God has shown me that His “eternal” perspective is what He sees things through and not our “temporal” perspective. There are SO many reasons why God allows these things to happen, these are just a few.

 Ok, moving on to this blogs topic, so… what happened to Jesus!? Not too long ago I was listening to the gospels again and hearing about all that Jesus went through here on Earth. The rejection and disdain from the leaders and most of the people and especially the horrific whipping and beating Jesus endured even before he was hung on the cross... and then of course the cross itself was, I would imagine, beyond horrifying!!

(“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3)

But, as I was listening, a thought came to me. If what we experience here on Earth is designed to shape, mold and refine us into who we need to be for God's Kingdom, then... What happened to Jesus?! Was there more to his pain and suffering than our redemption? (Please note, I am certainly not making light of this priceless gift) And then it hit me!! Oh, my goodness, yes!!

I don’t know about you, but I have always pictured Jesus, before the Earth was formed, in heaven with the Angels, God and the Holy Spirit doing whatever they did... you know, “God stuff”. And then he came to Earth, did this amazing thing for us, dying on the cross and restoring our relationship with God. And then, I always pictured him going right back to heaven being the same Jesus he was before he left. He’s “God” for goodness sakes, what can be better than that!? Of course that’s what happened… right?! (Please tell me I am not the only one who thought this!) But when this new thought came to mind, that idea and understanding suddenly changed! As I was pondering this new thought, this scripture in Revelation came to mind:

 “Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?" But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.” Revelation 5:1-6

John was weeping and weeping because no one was found to be worthy…! But then he saw “a Lamb, looking as if it has been slain…” If Jesus had not gone through all of that pain, suffering and crucifixion, He would NOT have been worthy to break the seal and open the scroll!! What He went through did SO much more than redeem man and restore our relationship with God. What He went through shaped and molded him into who He needed to be for God and for us for all of Eternity! He did NOT go back to heaven the same way as he was before he came down! All that He went through was designed by God for something so much greater! So, was His suffering “good” or “bad”? I mean, even Jesus, just like us, in his flesh prayed that God would change his plan… that maybe he wouldn’t have to suffer so much, asking in essence, “is there a plan B? Do I REALLY have to do this!? Isn’t there anther way!?” (“Abba, Father, he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36) But in the end, He knew that what God had ordained for him was necessary to accomplish His perfect will, and so he surrendered, saying “not my will, but Yours be done”. Isn’t Jesus our example of how we should live on this earth? He accepted God’s plan for him and surrendered his will, no matter what he had to endure.

 If God allowed Jesus to go through all of that, so that He can be transformed into something so much more wonderful, powerful, beautiful and valuable, why would he spare us?? If hardships and difficulties are what make us BETTER, stronger, more compassionate people, would that be considered bad parenting? I feel like I lack the words to describe what happens to us when we surrender and are challenged and refined through hardships but all I know is that the end result isn’t “bad” but truly transforming… in a very GOOD way!!

 “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Heb 5:7-10

If you really think about it, who wants to read about Frodo’s safe and comfy life in the Shire?? His pesky neighbors and meals of cheese and crackers and wine? What really inspires us are his adventures, his struggles, close calls with death, and his victories, right!? If you aren’t familiar with the Lord of the Rings, name any book that you enjoy, maybe Harry Potter, is it safe and easy? Or is it full of death defying adventures that they push through and are victorious and transformed by their hardships?

So, in my limited perspective and understanding, I can see that what Jesus went through resulted in making Him the Son of Man, the Son of God, our High Priest, the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Lamb that was slain, and our Redeemer... and I am sure so MUCH more that I can’t even fathom right now! Would we tell God right now that what He did to Jesus was wrong? That Jesus’ suffering was cruel, mean and unnecessary? Is God a bad Father because He put Jesus through all of that? Again, our “good/bad” versus His, and our temporal versus His eternal. Whose is better?

And as I was thinking about writing this blog this scripture came to mind:

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Mark 8:31-33

 Did you catch that?? Peter was like; “No man, you aren’t going to die, I won’t let that happen to you!! You are going to conquer the Romans and redeem Israel and then sit on the throne as king! And we are going to fight for you and be with you in your [earthly] kingdom!” (Totally MY paraphrasing) In Peter’s mind Jesus’ dying was a very BAD thing! (Having in mind the things of “men”) But Jesus KNEW he had to die to accomplish all that needed to happen (God’s plan) so He rebuked Peter and said; "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Whoa!! I am sure Peter was like “What the heck!?” So, when we talk about life being easy, cushy and no bad things happening to us or our children, do we really have in mind the things of man or of God? Hmmmm…?? Definitely something to ponder!!

Another good question is, when things are “easy”, how does that benefit us?? I have often heard it said, “As it is in the natural/physical, so it is in the spiritual”. If we are flabby and out of shape physically, then we can also be flabby and out of shape spiritually! (I talk about things being “easy” in this blog: The Easy Button). Is spiritual “flab” something God wants for us?? Is it really what WE want?? But if it is not exercised, or challenged, our faith and trust in Him will be super flabby too! Right? And, how is our faith tested and strengthened if not by hardships and difficulties so that we can see God work in miraculous ways?

 So, even Jesus was transformed through His suffering, in ways I had never thought of or considered before! Hopefully these thoughts and questions will encourage you to see difficulties and trials in a different way. Instead of blaming Satan or resenting God, maybe look at the difficulties as weights, designed to strengthen you spiritually. Where are you spiritually weak? What muscles need to be worked on? And instead of resisting, see the hardships in life as “opportunities” to strengthen these muscles. (Another good blog on this topic is: Forged in Fire)

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:18-23

But I think my FAVORITE part of trials and tribulations (yes, I said favorite, lol!) are that I get so much closer to God!! Difficulties bring me to my knees and remind me that I can’t do everything on my own and that I have zero “control” over anything! (Like being on a roller coaster with a steering wheel!) So, when I am struggling, I run to him and press into him more than I ever do when things are good. He is my refuge and my Strong tower, my Helper, Comforter and Counselor. And I love how God responds to me when I run to him and look to Him for help, strength and courage! He reveals himself to me in wonderful, miraculous and revelatory ways!! I have learned so much more about who He is through my difficulties and hard times than at any other time! And that is truly what I want more than anything… To KNOW HIM! If it takes trials and suffering to really know God, then I say, bring it on! God always gives me a choice. How will I respond to trials? Will I resist and rebuke? Will I run away from Him in angry resentment? Or will I press into Him even more and learn where my muscles are weak, and allow Him to refine my heart and reveal more of himself to me? How will you choose to respond?

Anyway, I just thought that was a really cool insight into Jesus and what His suffering did for Him and wanted to share it. It makes me wonder how our Earthy suffering will translate for us in eternity! I know it will be amazing! So, one last question. Do we have in mind the things of men or of God?

Thank you, Father, for this new insight and understanding into Jesus and His transformation process through his suffering here on Earth! Help me to continue to have a heart that wants to surrender to your leading and circumstances so that I can be refined and, even more importantly, I will get to KNOW you better!

Here are some more scriptures that talk about Jesus and the result of His suffering and surrender:

“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Act 4:4-12

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.” Acts 5:30-31

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:6-11

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14

“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.” Act 14:21-22

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' " So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:11-12