“It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.”  Tyler Durden

To be crucified means to be dead.  And to be dead means that there is nothing left of this world to hold on to.  The Apostle Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  The only way that we can be crucified is with Christ.  He is the master conductor who takes us through all of the movements in the music until at last we are finally free to do anything.  

Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  I have seen the truth and it resides on the top of Golgotha’s hill.  It is in this place that all of us must be taken if we are to be purified and freed from the bonds of this world.  I am like anyone else….I talk a big game, but when the chips are down and my bluff is called, I cry like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.  Yet, Jesus didn’t intend for my time of pain to be punishment.  And so it is that I am not being punished.  Although some may want it to feel like chastisement, Jesus loves me right through it.  How great is that?   

I am like the thieves on the crosses beside Him.  I have choices to make.  Do I want to embrace this death or do I want to fight it?  If He took me down from this cross right now, would I learn how to die?  I want to know Christ crucified.  I want to be able look upon all in this world who wish to do harm to me and anyone else and be able to say like Jesus did, “Forgive them.”  I am no victim here.  I am right where God has given me the privilege to be.  I am no fool here.  I know that I will have to struggle against my flesh to keep from getting resentful and bitter.  But I am in God’s hands here and there is no better place to be. 

I will let God be the judge of what is happening.  I am in good company.  And like many who have gone before me, I am imperfect.  Yet, as I allow Christ to live in me, I will be in a place that is truly wonderful.  This is not making lemonade out of lemons psycho jangle!  This is the true nature of walking in Christ.  Until I am brought low by Him, then I am just playing games.  What an honor it is to be chosen by Him to suffer through this so that I can “achieve the resurrection from the dead.”  That resurrection is already begun!   

I know this is short, but I was walking this morning and reflecting upon all that has happened.  I have died with Christ.  I am in mourning.  But I am waiting for the day when He will use this for His glory.  And who am I to say that He is not already using it.  I am surrounded by friends who check up on me daily (sometimes hourly).  I have a wonderful family who love me unconditionally.  I have a sore heart that is being replaced with the joy of the Lord.  And I have lost everything I thought was important.  I have been set free!  God bless you!