The Cross
“When Ian gets better he will come on a picnic with us too. Won’t that be great?” -Lydia
I have been freshly reminded today of the power and beauty of the gospel. We are all sinners, deserving God’s wrath. We daily sin against a holy God, mocking Him and hating Him in our sin. We have nothing on our own to offer God.
But God in His lavish mercy, sent His son to die for us, the very people that hated Him. Because of Jesus’ blood, we are considered righteous before our heavenly father. On judgement day, it will not be our friends, our jobs or our riches that gain us access to heaven- it is Jesus alone. His perfect, sinless life is attributed to us.
Jesus saves us even when we are running straight to hell. He turns a heart of stone into a heart of gold. There is no need to prove ourselves to God, or feel like we have to read every chapter of the Bible in order for Him to save us. By His mercy, He gives us the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The struggles of this affliction are pale compared to the glories of the cross. It is the simple yet profound truth of the gospel that gives myself, the Murphys and Ian strength each morning. When we get to heaven, Jesus himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Ian will one day be completely healed. His soul is entrusted to Christ. When we focus on that truth, there is no room for fear.
Larissa
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 3:37 am
amazing. that’s all I can say. except that you’re amazing, Larissa. thank you for constantly turning your eyes to Him, and reminding us too.
kristi
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 12:44 pm
GOD BLESS YOUR DAY — PRAYING FOR IAN !
Phyllis
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Larissa,
Both you and Lydia are very articulate…in very different ways, of course!
Thank you so much for your posts!
YOU are a faith-builder!
STILL PRAYING!
Mary Ann K.
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Larissa,
thank you for reminding us to always fix “our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This Jesus is the only One who gives victory in the midst of pain. We love you and the rest of the Murphs!
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 11:31 pm
you all show such trust and faith in God. It is sometimes overwhelming, and God is using you to help support many others. Praying for Ian to be home…and healthier than ever.
anonymous
March 22, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I read Streams in the Desert devotional and your heartfelt comments and fall to my knees thanking Him for your gift of expression always pointing to the Cross.Clinging to Him on your behalf.
anonymous
March 24, 2007 at 12:39 pm
how true your words are and how very clearly they speak to me…I pray…that others can see this message and hear God’s word…I pray for Ian…for his parents…his siblings…and for you Larissa…I pray that our wonderful Father continues to lay his healing hands upon Ian…and that His unconditional love continues to be felt by all of you…
with much Love, your sister in Christ,
Amy N. Rhoades