Jesus,
I want to look more like you.
Amen
Growing up in the church I
knew that I needed to strive to "look more like Jesus." Now if you
aren't a Christian and you are reading this you may be thinking that I'm asking
for my skin to lighten, and my jaw to widen... among a few other physical
alterations.
That is not what I was asking
for. First off we know that Jesus was not a white man with perfect hair.
😂
For my friends who don't
know, it means to take on his characteristics.
Now back to my point. I've
spent most of my life asking God to help me look more like Jesus without fully
understanding what I was asking for. When I was younger I thought I was just
asking for help being nice to others, and let’s be honest it isn't an easy
task. But as I get older and have more and more encounters with reality
I've learned that it is much more than this.
Looking like Jesus means we
will face suffering.
"But he was pierced for
our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the
chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." Is
53:5
Things are about to get
personal
November 2014
I was sitting on my mom and
dad's bed with my phone to my ear anxiously waiting for my doctor to explain
what Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) was and what it meant for my future.
She gently explained that it meant I had a hormone imbalance that could cause
several health complications like depression, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and
infertility. November 2014 had all the ingredients to throw me in to a
spiraling disaster. Earlier that month a close friend passed away unexpectedly
and I was diagnosed with Vitiligo (an autoimmune disease that causes the loss
of pigment in skin). But the Lord sustained me. He reminded me that he cares
for me even in deep dark places.
Here I am two years later
sitting in service at church praying over families, asking the Lord to give
them wisdom in raising up their children, and I start crying.
One day my husband and I will
potentially one of the few couples who are in their seat hurting because we
couldn't conceive a child.
Today Jesus reminded me that
"looking like him" means that I'll experience suffering for his
greater purpose. Years ago, (long before learning about my health issues) the
Lord made it known that He is calling me to adopt children and to be an
advocate for the fatherless. Two years ago, the Lord confirmed his call for
motherhood through adoption with difficult news from a doctor. He used this
time to remind me of the suffering and joy that comes with choosing to love a
fatherless child.
We all have a choice. To
fight the call God has given us, or to learn to suffer with grace.
I've chosen to take time to
grieve, and then put down my box of tissues and get on my knees in
prayer.
Christians,
Be encouraged! The Lord has
purpose in your suffering.
Your suffering can be used to
show his great works in healing. (John 9)
Your suffering can be used
for the greater good. (Jerimiah 29)
Your suffering can be used to
refine you. (Romans 5 & James 1)
If you are suffering take
some time to pray as Jesus did.
"Then he said to them,
'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And
going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father if it
be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you
will.'"
With Love,
Noelia
