Daily Inspiration

I recently spoke with a friend dealing with grief and turmoil in her life. I explained to her How I deal with suffering in my own life, with the hope that it might help her deal with hers.

I explained that God does not place hardship in our path, but He does place gifts for us within the harshest events of our lives. I look for those gifts in periods of grief, turmoil, or suffering. When I encounter suffering, I imagine myself helping Christ carry His cross. He on one side of the cross, and me on the other, holding each other up and sharing the load. Then I hear the words, “Just a little further.”

After our conversation, I started thinking more deeply about those times when I’ve helped the Lord carry that cross, and something occurred to me. While I have my arm around Jesus, He also has his arm around me. While I lift that cross, I feel Him lifting it as well. Our heads touch together, and I can feel the prick of His crown, and the closeness of my Brother. We work together on that road to Calvary.

I always thought the encouraging voice I heard was mine calling to Him, but I now understand it is His voice calling to me. I realize now, that while I started out with the intention of helping my God carry His cross, it is He who has come to help me carry mine.

My friends, remember when we choose to take up our cross and follow Him, Christ carries it with us. He carries more than His share, and He assures us… it’s just a little further.

Ed