The God who suffers with us

In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them.

In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.

Isaiah 63:9 (NLT)

            I love the way The Message translates this passage: “He became their Savior. In all their troubles, he was troubled too. He didn’t send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time.”

            Most of us parents understand what it means to suffer with our children when they are sick, upset, discouraged, confused. When they hurt, we hurt. Because we love our children we would do anything to relieve their pain and suffering.

            The vastness of God’s love is so immense He took on human form and came in person rather than send a proxy. Love Himself, in the flesh, to live what we live, to endure what we endure, to be the sacrificial lamb in our place. No one can say, “God doesn’t care,” once we fully grasp the reality and sincerity of God’s compassion: when we suffer, He suffers; when we hurt, He hurts; when we ache, He aches; when we mourn, He mourns alongside us. He feels every twinge of pain, sees every tear, and hears every sigh.

            And when the journey grows too difficult, He reaches down and scoops us into His arms and carries us as a loving father carries his child. Not just for today but through all of our years.

Thought: “No detail of your life is too insignificant for your heavenly Father’s attention; no circumstance is so big that He cannot control it.” – Jerry Bridges