Today we exalt the ultimate sacrifice. “Jesus, carrying the cross by himself went out to Golgotha.” He was not powerlessly dragged in his suffering, nor did he succumb to the weight of the world. He did not allow his suffering to invoke pity, for it was clear that suffering was not his circumstance – suffering was his choice. He suffered well, and so must we. To suffer well is not to embrace the victim life. To suffer well is not to punish oneself. To suffer well is not a story of shame and brokenness. To suffer well is to embrace the life beyond the veil. To suffer well is to pursue God’s purpose even in our pain. To suffer well is a story of redemption and victory. To suffer well is to look our enemies, trials and burdens in the eye and declare, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above”. We cannot choose what we suffer, but we can choose how we suffer. As with Christ, may our deepest sufferings become our deepest offerings, and our heaviest crosses our highest praises.

PRAYER: Abba Father, even in my pain, may my eyes be on you alone. May my suffering be an offering for your glory. Amen.