Looking more like Jesus | Suffering for his greater purpose

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