example – Amy Linnea

Tasting Suffering

Published on November 9, 2024November 9, 2024 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

How do you identify with Christ’s suffering?

Not a fun topic, I know.

Can’t we all just identify with his happy traits instead of his suffering or forgiveness?

Because Jesus came to earth fully human yet fully God, we can identify with Him when our humanness overwhelmes us.

When life on this earth is less than celebratory.

As mamas, we give our bodies over when producing life.

Our bodies are literally changed forever. Marked with our child.

Further, we give ourselves to them for care.

Whether a child grows within your body or heart, you are forever changed by that child’s mere existence.

Jesus gave his body for us.

He willingly gave up his body for our salvation.

Does all of human creation daily cry out songs of thanksgiving for His sacrifice?

Nope. Not even close.

How many have been lost, not clinging to God’s plan for salvation?

Not recognizing Jesus’ human suffering on the cross for us?

What does Jesus think when those who are lost come to mind?

When those who have rejected His sacrifice beg to do life instead all on their own?

He has compassion.

He sees them through love.

He still wants their heart.

And He doesn’t give up. Ever.

Mothers sometimes get the short end of the stick.

But when we do, we must look to Jesus’ example of love.

He keeps loving even when others don’t love Him back.

Even knowing some would reject His willingness to sacrifice for their eternal life, He still went to the cross for them.

As we keep walking forward during the more uncomfortable times of life, may we look to Jesus’ example and love all anyways.

Photos by Camila Damásio, Larm Rmah, JESHOOTS.COM, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

An Example or Stumbling Block?

Published on August 29, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Let yourself be an example instead of a stumble.

An example of Christ’s love instead of a stumble into sin.

Man, that’s hard.

Not always, but sometimes.

Actually, usually it is, am I right?

Especially when our flesh cries out for justice.

Or judgement.

Or pride.

Every time we succeed as an God’s example, we extend life to others.

And every time we succeed as a stumbling block to sin, we bring death to those same people.

So how do we become an example instead of a stumbling block?

Ask God.

All we can do is ask Him to help us.

When we are weak, He is strong.

God’s greatest examples are people who have no strength of their own to complete the tasks God had for them.

But that’s when God’s power shines forth the brightest.

Knowing we cannot without God is the first step.

Then choosing to let Him work through us is the next.

Let Him choose your words.

Let Him choose your actions.

And let His very nature flow through yours.

And when you do that, God will bless others.

Literally through you.

Quite an honor when you think about it.

Be stamped with God’s nature, and His blessing will come through you all the time. Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest reading May 16

Photos by Rachel and Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Purpose

Published on August 17, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands. Psalm 138:8

What if God’s purposes are for you, not against you?

His purposes you don’t yet understand?

What if God’s ways are higher than yours?

Ways you don’t yet fully see?

What if His allowing trials in your life are for a purpose greater than your very life?

What if His tests are to grow your strength in Him?

To grow your faith in Him?

What if He allows things in order to use you to change others?

What if He plans to use your sorrows through your living, human example of walking through into new life with Him?

Would that make a difference to you?

If you knew that?

That His ways are higher than yours?

Do you trust Him?

Completely?

What if your consistent faithfulness to God in the face of evil is used to glorify Him?

Would that matter?

Would that make a difference?

I think yes.

When we trust God is ultimately in control, our walk is a bit easier.

Steps are easier to take when we know our ultimate purpose is to live for Him.

And the tiny little fact that He is using us.

Using you to bring others to Himself.

You might still step into mud, but you know He is right there to lift you out.

God will use you when you trust in Him.

And it’s just a bit easier to trust Him when you remind yourself of His purpose for you.

To be that light to others.

May your trials be that mush easier as you align your will with His, resting in the knowledge that His purpose will be fulfilled in your precious little life.