Jesus surrendered to God’s will and purpose by dying on the cross for our sins. And although he knew what lay before him, while in the midst of suffering he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Willingly giving his life, yet experiencing a depth of suffering and isolation never before experienced. 1 Peter tells us that Christ carried our sin in his body to the cross. When Jesus became sin, he became every act of hatred, murder, adultery, rape, jealousy, envy…every sin past, present and future. In that moment, God had to turn away. A perfect and holy God cannot look on sin. God turned away so we could be forgiven, so salvation’s plan could be completed. God could have rescued Jesus at any moment, but then sin, death, hell and the grave would not have been defeated. God paid the ultimate price for your sins and mine. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Scriptures – Proverbs 19:21; Matthew 27:45-46; Daniel 3:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Matthew 27:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Habakkuk 1:13; Isaiah 6:5; 1 Peter 2:24; John 3:16; Hebrews 13:5-6

Verses – And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co 5:21) Christ himself carried our sins in his body to the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. It is by his wounds that you have been healed. (1 Pt 2:24) …for he has said “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Hb 13:5-6)

Thought – When life’s struggles overwhelm us, we often ask, “Why?” It may be about a job, relationship, finances, or loss. Well-meaning Christ-followers often jump to the rescue with simple answers: “You must have sinned.” “You don’t have enough faith.” “You are under Satan’s attack.” “It’s God’s will.” Just because a Christian says it, doesn’t make it true, but whatever the reason, God can use it. We live in a flawed world and life has many upheavals. Faith is easy when things are good, but when life turns your world upside down and darkness closes in around you, do you trust God? When things are confusing, how deep is your faith? You may go through times when God is silent; you pray and feel as though your prayers aren’t being heard. In those moments be assured God has a purpose. Only God can see the end from the beginning. You may not understand His plan, but you can rest assured in His faithfulness. Hold onto your faith; He is not far away. Hold onto His promises; He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. Even when you feel alone, you aren’t! God is now here! 

Questions – What circumstances have caused you to feel far from God? What are your biggest “why?” questions? How do you respond to the “why?” questions posed by others? (“Why did God allow…..” “Why doesn’t God do something about….” “Why didn’t God answer my prayer?”) Have you ever felt God was silent?

Response – Praise the Lord (Lyrics by Bill Gaither)

When you’re up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams; and your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes; and you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fears, don’t let the faith you’re standing in seem to disappear. Praise the Lord, He can work through those who praise Him, praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise. Praise the Lord, for the chains that seems to bind you, serve only to remind you, that they drop powerless behind you when you praise Him!

Prayer – Father God, Your great sacrifice gives me the assurance that I am never alone. Thank you for giving me access to your throne anytime, anywhere. Take away my doubts and fears as I continue to seek Your will, and draw me close to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.