My Jesus - Todd Agnew

Why do we look so much like the world, if Ephesians says to “Be imitators of God... Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us...” (Ver. 5:1-2).  

I’m not sure how, but, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4-13).

The bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:1, “Since Christ suffered in His body... arm yourselves also with the same attitude...”  Jesus lived for the will and glory of His Father, and died for the will and glory of His Father. How do you see Him as He died for our sins?

The word says He was battered and scared beyond recognition, “disfigured beyond that of any human being.” (Isaiah 52:14).  All because He loved us more than anyone else can.  I hope we didn't miss that part.

There will be suffering for the followers of Christ. Can I be like my Jesus when I am put in “The furnace of affliction...” (Isaiah 48:10)?  Will people recognize Jesus in me then?  All I can do, is pray that they do by how I handle affliction. I’m not sure how to handle things at times to be like Jesus, but I know He won’t give up showing me how. I’m just so thankful He looks into my heart, when I do so much complaining. It’s a love that I feel so wrapped around me, even when I’m so undeserving.

 God's word has prepared me to know that it will be hard.  "But even if you should suffer for what is right... it is better... to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." (1 Peter 3:13-17).   I love what His word says after,  “[I have] suffered a little while,” in 1 Peter 5:10, “will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

The bible also tells us we need to  “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you...” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Just reading the bible,  or going to church, isn’t what makes you like Jesus. It’s getting it from your head to your heart. It’s life’s circumstances, the valleys, that makes us grow in grace and become spiritually mature. If we want to be like Jesus, we can’t escape that 'furnace of affliction.' When we take it on with love in our hearts and compassion for those who are missing out, it will become a blessing to us.

Always remember His unfailing promise in Genesis 26:24 “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”

He gave Himself up for us, "made himself nothing..." (Phil. 2:6-8).  Are we giving up ourselves so others can see Jesus?

From a devotional:

“The burden of suffering seems to be like a tombstone around our necks. 

Yet in reality, it is simply the weight necessary to hold the diver down 

while he is searching for pearls.”

Grace and the peace of God to you