Recently I was filled with awe at the tenderness and love God has shown to us, his children.
When my husband accidentally hit our granddaughter with his car, he was devastated. The “what if’s” plagued his mind, both waking and sleeping.
After a few days he said to me, “I’m so glad it was me driving and not you. You would be a mess.”
At a time when most people would be lamenting why it had to happen to them, my husband loved me sacrifically; glad the burden was placed on him in order to protect me.
I thanked my husband, and the Lord, for His spiritual protection and covering. I was humbled.
I was surprised to apply a fresh understanding of God’s depth of love for me. Like my husband, my heavenly Father was glad it was his Son who endured the humiliation, the separation, the agony of the cross, and not me.
Why did Jesus do this? Hebrews 12:2, “For the joy set before Him” he endured the cross.
He was glad to do it because it brought Him joy to spare us humiliation, shame and our ultimate separation from God.
John 3:16 is a familiar verse to many. Claimed by some, it’s the most overused verse from the Bible. From billboards to T-shirts, church to football games, most of us are at least aware of the verse.
Because of its familiarity we may unknowingly dismiss it, or at least its meaning.
Could I encourage you to take a fresh view of this verse? Insert your name into the parenthesis: “For God so loved ( ) that he gave his One and Only Son….”
God did that for you, and he was glad to, so that you might experience eternal life with him.
That life starts from the moment you believe. No waiting for heaven to experience his love.
Do you have that hope? Hope that nothing can separate you from the love of God no matter what accident, trial or circumstance comes your way?
Put your hope in God and you’ll find His love.
©2015 Cindy Richardson for GateWay of Hope