I cannot recall a time when I have been more wholly dependent on Jesus—across so many areas, both inward and outward—than I am right now. No matter which aspect of my awareness is stirred, whether in spirit, mind, or heart, I find myself navigating a minefield of obstacles and shortcomings, internal and external, all pressing upon me to be acknowledged and surrendered.

The other day, as I sat at my computer preparing an article for this blog and gazing out the window, my thoughts turned to Paul’s words to the Corinthian believers in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NASB): “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction which occurred in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead, who rescued us from so great a danger of death, and will rescue us, He on whom we have set our hope.And He will yet deliver us, if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.” Emphasis is mine.

Paul’s words resonated deeply within me, reminding me that he, too, knew the weight of affliction—far more than I have ever experienced. His trials exceeded anything I have endured, yet his hope remained steadfast in our Savior God who rescues and sustains.

And then, for a fleeting moment, as I continued to gaze out the window, taking in the rolling hills, the distant horizon, and the scattered white clouds against the vast blue sky, I became keenly aware of the presence and majesty of our sovereign God. His presence seemed to cover all that I could see, and my heart longed for that awareness to linger—to abide in it endlessly.

But just as quickly as it came, the moment passed.

There may be some of you that want to tell me that I may focus on my feelings or emotions too much and that quite possibly is true at times. Yet Jesus expressed His feelings. One of the most poignant moments where Jesus expressed His emotions is found in John 11:35 (NASB):

“Jesus wept.”

This brief but profound verse is found at the tomb of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. Despite knowing that He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus was deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and the mourning crowd. His tears reveal His boundless compassion, His full humanity, and His profound love for those who grieve. It is a powerful reminder that Christ is not distant from our pain and our grieving—He sees, He feels, and He enters into it with us. And this is not the only time Jesus expressed His emotions; there are other significant instances where His heart is laid bare.

Sometimes, I feel like a deer frozen in the headlights—paralyzed, unable to move forward. The weight of what I see, both within and around me, halts me in my tracks. As unique as I am, I am but one among countless others, each distinct, yet all caught up in the same struggles. The wrongs that beg for correction, the injustice that sweeps through without compassion, and the erosion of our calling to love our neighbor as ourselves—all of this is overshadowed by the rising tide of “I” and “we” that forgets the grace that those of us who trust in God have all been given.

I am deeply aware of my own limitations, and there is no longer any room for me to question God’s wisdom. I can no longer ignore what is plainly evident before me. The chaos and cunning deceit sweeping across the world is so fundamentally wrong on so many different levels that it borders on insanity. Yet, it seems the majority continue on this path toward certain destruction with little resistance. What we have sown, we will surely reap. When we forsake the Great Commission which is aimed at the heart of mankind and replace it with our own earthly desires for power and control, the harvest should come as no surprise.

I am but one of His sheep, desperately seeking the guidance of the Good Shepherd. I know many others share this same longing, but I am also aware of the wolves within the flock, following the call of a different shepherd—whose voice I will not heed. By God’s grace, my hand remains securely in the hand of the Good Shepherd, and I will not let go. I trust in Him. Though I may not have all the answers to all of the questions that arise within me, I know the One who does. As long as I keep my hand in His, and by His grace continue to do so, I will move ever forward toward the incomprehensible love that He is. I have tasted of His love, and nothing else in this world or the world to come compares. Nothing.

John 3:16-21 NASB “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds will be revealed as having been performed in God.” Emphasis is mine.

Jesus is God’s Light.

From one sheep in God’s sheepfold to another.

Respectfully submitted for your consideration.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!

Bruce Cooper is a disciple of Jesus, married to Peggy, with 5 grown up children, 7 grandchildren. He is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and resides in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. a.k.a. “Papa.” To read more of Bruce’s work visit Reasoned Cases For Christ.

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