John 14:2-3 NIV
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Yet again, this week has been a painful experience. Marriage prep is hard business! In addition to wondering who my friends are, I'm questioning how would people react on our wedding day, what our future plans will be like, and why certain insecurities still linger in me. It's so emotionally and spiritually exhausting and I know that it's during these moments that I desperately need Jesus (for all the critics, by no means do I imply that there's ever a moment whereby Jesus is not needed. I am simply saying that in times where things get tough, we need His love, grace, comfort, and guidance all the more).
Lately, I have been practicing how to focus deeper on the cross. You know that cliché "the cross is the answer!"? Well... It is! Ebu Julita's Facebook message brought upon such a powerful revelation on the bride to be, the groom that pursues, and the preparation process. During those difficult moments of marriage preparation, as I hone into the cross, I begin to feel Christ's pain AND excitement for His eventual union with His bride.
Just a little more... These scars, this crown of thorns, dehydration, asphyxiation... They will all be worth it soon...
As I write this I begin to tear. The pain I am enduring (which is NOTHING compared to what He went through) will all be worth it.
Not just that, but hearing Michelle's hurt, loneliness, uncertainties and frustrations, I hear the church's cry as she prepares for her marriage with Jesus. That's so crazy! So often, we focus on things that will not last, we say things that hold no water, and we do things that have no substance. Why? Perhaps we need to assess where our heart treasures are. To truly embrace the coming marriage, we really need to master the ability to die to ourselves daily.
The groom will come and y'all better be dressed and ready!
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