A devotion to remember the closeness of God in your suffering

"And a voice came out of heaven: 'You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased'". - Mark 1:11

Why was Christ chosen from among the people? Speak, my heart, for the thoughts of the heart are the best. Was it not that he could be our brother, in the blessed bond of kindred blood? Oh, what a relationship there is between Christ and the believer! The believer may say, “I have a brother in heaven. I may be poor, but do I have a brother who is rich and is a king, and will he allow me to be in need while on his throne? Oh no! He loves me; and my brother ".

Believer, wear this blessed thought, like a diamond necklace, around the neck of your memory; put it, like a gold ring, on the finger of remembrance and use it as the seal of the King, stamping the petitions of your faith with confidence of success. He is a brother born for adversity: treat him as such.

Christ was also chosen from among people so that he could know our desires and sympathize with us. As Hebrews 4 reminds us, Christ was "tempted in every respect like us, but without sin." In all our pains we have his sympathy. Temptation, pain, disappointment, weakness, fatigue, poverty - He knows them all, because he has heard everything.

 

Remember that, Christian, and let me comfort you. However difficult and painful your path is, it is marked by the footsteps of your Savior; and even when you reach the dark valley of the shadow of death and the deep waters of the bulge of the Jordan, you will find His footprints there. Wherever we go, everywhere, He was our forerunner; every burden we have to bear once was placed on Emmanuel's shoulders.

Let's pray

God, when the road gets dark and life gets difficult, remind us that you too have suffered and been persecuted. Remind us that we are not alone and even now you see us. Help us remember that you paved the way for us. You have taken upon yourself the sin of the world and are with us in every trial.

In the name of Jesus, amen