Theme of the Week: How God Teaches Us Through Winning and Losing
Bible Verse: I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Scripture Reading: John 16:33 & John 18:1 – 19:42
Have you ever wondered what the disciples may have felt like as Jesus was crucified?
I want to tell you about my friend Jack.
Jack was my dormmate during my first two years of college. He was a big guy who loved three things: Jesus, people, and Greco-Roman wrestling. No one wrestled Jack unless they wanted to lose. But if you ever needed a hug or prayer, he was your guy.
We all looked up to Jack. He was a guy I wanted to be like.
A few years after college Jack was diagnosed with primary-pulmonary hypertension, a lung disease you either get a transplant for or you die with. Talk about a massive red light.
We visited Jack after his diagnosis. He was physically different. He had lost weight and had to use an oxygen hose around the house. And yet he still presented a dominance as he stared down his younger brother for pinching the hose off. Even sick, you didn’t mess with Jack.
But what amazed me most was how spiritually strong Jack was.
I asked him if he ever blamed God for his condition.
His answer?
“I could either get mad or praise Him. I chose to praise him.”
Then I watched him prove it at church as he stood, lifted his portable oxygen tank, and sang “Blessed be Your Name…When there’s pain in the offering.”
Jack’s favorite verse was Philippians 4:13. And he truly lived it.
Prior to the crucifixion, Jesus said some profound words to His disciples:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
These were not just words of warning, but of comfort, too. I wonder when the disciples remembered these words. I bet it wasn’t as they watched Jesus dying. But one day they understood.
A few years later, Jack passed away, and I still want to be like him.
To love Jesus, love people, and see my red lights, no matter how difficult, as green lights to praise Him.
Prayer: Jesus, I acknowledge that red lights are really difficult for me. But help me to have the strength to praise You more when there is pain in my offering. Amen.
Reflection: Read John 16:33 AND John 18:1 – 19:42 and spend time praising Jesus in your red lights.
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