Clay in the Hands

Monday night we decided to cook fajitas.  We got everything ready and then began the process.  A few months ago, my brother gave me a huge outdoor cooking wok made from a plow disk – it works great!  So I got it set up on the burner on the patio and started the fire.  I guess I didn’t realize how hot the wok had become when I put the oil in to start sautéing the vegetables.

Hot oil started popping and splattering everywhere.  Here is the key to the story – I was wearing shorts and flip flops.  You may already know this but the skin on the tops of your feet is very sensitive – who knew!  In a matter of seconds the skin began to blister.  And two days later I am still in pain and wearing shoes just makes it worse.

As I have thought about how pain affects us, my thoughts have turned to Jesus and the pain he endured for us.  He willingly endured beating and torture and ultimately a cruel death to offer grace to all people.  My little blisters are nothing compared to what he endured.  We all endure pain in life but nothing will ever compare.

Maybe you have experienced emotional pain.  Maybe the ones closest to you have betrayed you.  That hurts.  It leaves scars that may never heal completely.  But consider Jesus, being arrested and hauled off to a mock trial and the anguish he felt as each and everyone of the people he had poured his life into turned away.  Think about the loneliness he felt on that cross as even God turned his face.

We may have experienced physical and emotional pain.  But Jesus experienced all we have experienced and more and yet he was not shaken.  He finished the mission.  He stayed on that cross and carried out the Father’s plan.

So when you feel life is too much, remember – Jesus lived it – for you.

Be blessed today!