Manipulating our Cross

Sorry to be so quiet. Lots of issues in my life during the past few months. I will try to be better at getting things posted.
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“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” (Matthew 27:41-43)

“So, you trust in God? Let Him deliver you.”

Has that thought ever mocked you?

It’s mocked me.

But, sometimes God doesn’t want to deliver us. I don’t know anyone who likes to hear that -- and certainly not live through it. Nevertheless, it’s true. Sometimes God wants us to endure a cross.

What, then, shall we do with our Calvary? The Lord Jesus asked the Father to remove His cup. Yet, He added, “Not My will, but Thine be done.”

And He meant it.

Don’t you think the Lord Jesus could have circumvented the Father’s will, glanced at heaven and twelve legions of angels would have swooped to His deliverance? Of course He could have. He said He could have.

But when I face my crosses I usually try to manipulate them so my load will lighten. Even after I’ve prayed, “Lord, thy will – not mine – be done” I still look for wiggle-room.

Lord, help me stop doing so much wiggling, and let my cross work Your will in my life.

rich
rmaffeo@comcast.net