I asked several friends what their most difficult, painful experience in life had been. Their answers included war, divorce, surgery, and the loss of a loved one. My wifes reply was, The birth of our first child. It was a long and difficult labor in a lonely army hospital. But looking back, she said she considers it joyful because the pain had a big purpose.
Just before Jesus went to the cross, He told His followers they were about to go through a time of great pain and sorrow. The Lord compared their coming experience to that of a woman during childbirth when her anguish turns to joy after her child is born (John 16:20-21). Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you (v.22).
Sorrow comes to us all along the road of life. But Jesus, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame (Heb. 12:2), purchased forgiveness and freedom for all who open their hearts to Him. His painful sacrifice accomplished Gods eternal purpose of opening the way to friendship and fellowship with Him.
The joy of our Savior outweighed His suffering, just as the joy He gives us overshadows all our pain.
INSIGHT
: John 16 concludes Jesus most extended teaching session recorded in the gospel of John (Chs. 1316). Jesus had begun the evening by washing the disciples feet in a remarkable act of servitude (13:1-17). After this He would go to Gethsemane and, ultimately, to Calvary. There He would make the ultimate sacrifice as He died on the cross for the sins of humanity.
You Are the Indian Ocean |
You are good natured and always willing to lend a helping hand. You like to cooperate. You are naturally friendly and just enjoy hanging out with whoever happens to be around. You believe life is to be enjoyed. And you're happy to share the happiness! |
Definitely the Pacific. We all get one go around in this thing called life. If you’re not happy, you’re wasting your time.
Hi Everybody!
((((HUGS))))
I put in warm year round and they gave me the Arctic ocean?
OH well, they say snow Thursday.
my results ...”You Are the Arctic Ocean”
I dunno>
I AM The Indian Ocean ... cool.
“I bought a waterbed, my wife calls it the Dead Sea. I get no respect, I’m tellin’ ya’!”
I am the Arctic Ocean. How did that happen?
Apparently I’m Lake Erie. Not sure how that happened.
You Are the Atlantic Ocean |
Acadia Nat'l Park--Maine You value tradition and old fashioned ways of doing things. You try to slow down and appreciate your life. You are quite serious, and you see the ocean as more of a thing of reflection and deep beauty. You love the quiet of a crisp day at the beach. You love the idea of being by the sea, alone with your thoughts. ....and you are ready to go back to this lovely locale... |
I live darn near in the middle of the Pacific on a rock, so that better be the answer. Will check.
Hi Luv!
“The beach is a place where a man can feel he’s the only soul in the world that’s real.”
Hope you’re having a good evening and thanks for hosting.
Evening Luv, Kathy. I grew up near the Pacific, which I always found gorgeous. But deep down I knew I was Atlantic.
I love the ocean. Very calming to watch. I hope I’m someplace warm.
You Are A Mud Puddle
Figures. Been one of those days.
You Are the Pacific Ocean |
You don't like being pinned down, and you don't like to make plans. You prefer to keep some wiggle room in your life. You are not very conventional, and you thrive when you can be creative. You are an inventive problem solver. You are spontaneous and optimistic. You would rather take a risk on a new thing, even if the old thing still works. |
Well, they finally got one right! ;-)
You Are the Atlantic Ocean |
You value tradition and old fashioned ways of doing things. You try to slow down and appreciate your life. You are quite serious, and you see the ocean as more of a thing of reflection and deep beauty. You love the quiet of a crisp day at the beach. You love the idea of being by the sea, alone with your thoughts. |