no pain, no gain

I felt like the devos from this week reminded me that life as a Christian is painful, but fulfilling. So here are some thoughts I had from each day:

• Jesus enduring all pain known to mankind on the cross is the fullest expression of love. He romances us from the cross, through the pain of the cross. That's intense!
• "you'll hate the pain but find great joy in the transformation. keep in mind -- leadership without blood is dead" Agreeing to lead people means embracing the pain of humbly serving them.  But good news: joy comes through the pain!
• We have the choice between the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Following Christ requires enduring pain, but it gives life meaning and is far more rewarding than the pain of regret.
• sacrifice: go to the cross with Jesus, let him do his work.
• "His shaking reveals the unshakable." shaking in my life has revealed to me when I've been putting my faith in the wrong things and helps me to redirect it to Jesus. God uses the pain of Calvary to anchor our identity and strength in Him.

Praying that this summer I would constantly choose to endure the pain of humbly serving over my own desires.