Sometimes, trials come in waves. One ordeal right after the other, one on top of the other, one overtaking the other. Think about how many afflictions Jesus endured just before and during His death on the cross. All these miseries came close together.
His closest disciples neglected Him, not watching with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-43).
He was in great sorrow and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:37-38, Luke 22:44).
He was betrayed by an apparent friend, Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:46-50).
He was abandoned by all His disciples (Matthew 26:56)
He suffered several mock trials (before Annas and Caiaphas, Pontius Pilate, Herod, then Pilate again.) (Matthew 26:57-68, 27:1-2, 11-26, Luke 23:7-12, John 18:13, 24).
He was mocked, spit on, hit several times, before being crucified (Matthew 26:67, 27:29-30).
He was betrayed by another friend three times (Peter's denial of Jesus) (Matthew 26:69-75).
Pilate gave the order to crucify Jesus, even knowing He was innocent (Matthew 27:22-26).
He was whipped (Matthew 27:26).
A crown of thorns was put on His head (Matthew 27:29).
He was forced to walk to Golgotha in a ruined condition (Matthew 27:31).
Not only that, He carried His cross in that condition, at least part of the way (John 19:17).
His clothes were stolen from Him (Matthew 27:35).
He was insulted, mocked, humiliated, unjustly criticized while hanging on the cross (Matthew 27:39-44).
He was forsaken by His Father while on the cross, seemingly causing Jesus extreme torment (Matthew 27:46).
He suffered His mother's grief while on the cross (John 19:25-27).
He thirsted while on the cross (John 19:28).
Do you long to be like Jesus? Would you be like Him in this way? Enduring many trials? All at the same time?
Acts 14:22 KJV
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Though this is true, keep in mind this wise quote.
"During your tribulations, God always has His hand on the thermostat. Also, none of your sufferings will be wasted."
Joel Hunter
“One billow passed-another rolls to meet thee
Across thine onward track;
On every side new trials seem to greet thee,
As if to turn thee back.
Until thy soul, 'erwhelmed, in darkness sinking,
Can raise submissive eyes;
Yield to His Will, and, while thy flesh is shrinking,
His purpose recognize.”
Author unknown
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