PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- NOVEMBER 23, 2009

Jesus -- along with us for life's roller coaster ride

Q. Sometimes I feel as if my life is a roller coaster ride. I try to remain faithful to a wife who didn't get to have a loving relationship with her dad. She finds men strange, uncouth and dangerous. There is no chance of love; it may be buried under a fear of being hurt. It's not her fault, but I'm still alone. When I shoulder my cross, it really helps to know that our Leader has "been there" -- and that He is there!

When I listen on Christian radio to some mushy song about Jesus, it tends to turn me off, until I really think about what he suffers, the load he continually bears to nurse us along, to let us suffer for our strengthening. All the glory truly is his, not just because he has the right, but because he has borne the heavy burden. He alone can love a heart full of hate. At times, I feel rather alone, but the "price" I pay is nothing compared to knowing how God really is -- how much he loves everybody, and will save most with his incredible wisdom and skill. I fall asleep at night knowing that there is Somebody bigger who's really in charge. I don't have to depend on my skill, or looks, or intelligence. I can give emotional comfort without worrying about running dry. For me, this is a warm, safe universe! What is that worth?

Last night I heard part of a call-in radio show, hosted by a man who seems to know the gospel. A woman called in wanting to know how to handle comforting her friend, whose husband suffered so much that he evidently committed suicide. When he assured her that salvation wasn't based on our performance, it brought tears to my eyes. Ah, the comfort of knowing who He really is, to be able to fully agree. Let the roller coaster ride continue!

A. Yes, it does help us as we face our Christian walk, to know that Jesus has walked our walk, and not only that, he does not merely observe and watch us from the sidelines as we go through something he already has. He gets involved with us, joins us in our journey, and is there for us every step of the way. He has come to us in the flesh, but he really never left -- he is still here with us, living his life within us, doing for us what we are powerless to do.

Thanks for sharing some of your story -- and we want you to know that we will pray for you, and the difficulties you face. That's another part of what we feel God wants us to do -- and we are blessed to be able to do so. May God comfort you, and may he enable PTM to continue to be of help to you. As you say, let the roller coaster ride continue!

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