“I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.” John 17:9
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
If you are going through an especially rough patch in your life I think this verse will give you much comfort. These are the words of Jesus, spoken DURING His crucifiction. Amidst all the pain and torture He was going through right then, He chose to give words of comfort to us, His believers! The heart of Jesus was so amazing, so unselfish, so sacrificial. I think it is important to realize that whatever suffering you may be dealing with, Christ dealt with so much more. This is not lack of empathy at all. It is reality. It is also reality that Jesus Christ feels your pain and in heaven He is pleading with the Father, joining you in prayer on your behalf. You are not alone in your suffering. Christ is suffering with you. What an amazing God He is! He creates the whole universe, oversees all, yet takes the time to feel your pain and intercede on your behalf. Makes you feel loved, doesn’t it? It should.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
How amazing your Son is. Such love, such a heart and a capacity for unselfishness. Could I ever get my mind off myself for just a minute to pray like He prayed on the cross for another? Lord, this pain I am dealing with today is unbearable for me. I ask that you carry it for me. I am praying in agreement with Christ himself. I am your child, and I need you. I know that this circumstance would not be happening to me right now if there was not a good thing that could come out of it. Reveal that good thing to me right now so I can hold onto hope. Let that hope carry me to victory on the other side of this trial. Help me to grow past this pain and to become more like the One who died for all of it to be taken away some day.
In Jesus’ precious, lovely and holy name, Amen.”