Joy for the journey

Sarah Habben

Consider what you’ve endured for the sake of a future joy. The drudgery of pregnancy and the pain of delivery take a backseat to the joy of holding a newborn. Twenty hours crammed into an economy car are bearable when you’re en route to your dream vacation. But to endure life’s journey, we need a bigger, better joy in sight than Disney World. We need a heavenly joy—won for us by Jesus’ endurance.

Jesus bore countless crosses before he felt the nails of Golgotha: the limitations of human flesh, the temptations of Satan, the hostility of those he came to save. And yet, For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

When the whip fell on Jesus’ back, he remembered the peace he was making between his Father and us. When the crowd screamed Jesus’ guilt, he focused on the not guilty verdict he was winning for sinners like you and me. When the cross loomed, Jesus willingly endured its shame—because being pinned to its planks would gain our salvation.

Consider what Jesus endured for the sake of our future joy. Consider the price he paid to make us his children. Consider his extraordinary love. It will fill your weary soul with strength. It will give you joy for the journey.

Devotion used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org