Focus: Lent is a time of obedience. Jesus was obedient in His suffering on the cross. Obedience returns fruit. We are the fruit of His suffering. When we suffer, we focus on our sufferings. When Jesus suffered, He focused on the fruit, us. Let us also focus on the fruit of our sufferings, our relationship with God. Suffering draws us closer to God. When we suffer and find no relief, there is only one place to go, God. When we suffer, we have new insight into our situation. We can choose to be a victim or we can choose to be like Jesus. This season as we look to the cross, may we be reminded to be obedient to our sufferings? May we trust God for healing in our sufferings?
Prayer: Lord, You suffered for us. Suffering is in the world and we do not like to suffer. Grant us the courage to take our sufferings to you. May you bless us with the fruit of our sufferings? May we bear fruit that only loves? Amen
Read: Romans 5:3-5 NLT
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Meditation: Remember the last time you suffered. Where you tempted to retaliate? Did you take your eyes off of Jesus or did you let suffering bring forth fruit in you? How will you handle your current suffering? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to pour out love into your heart?
Benediction: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)
