The Four Living Creatures Series Part 3: The ManPrøve

Bouncing Back Trauma can be crippling in a person’s life. Those who have endured any form of abuse tend to find it difficult to bounce back. As we look into the life of Jesus once more, let us consider the cruelty and betrayal that He endured. He was beaten and whipped publicly beyond recognition. The same crowd who used to cheer for Him was the same crowd who wanted Him dead. Stripped, beaten, and nailed to the cross, He died the death of a criminal, despite being innocent. He cried out to His heavenly Father because He felt forsaken, and there is no response. So there Jesus hangs. Alone. After His resurrection, His primary mission is to show Himself to the same people who fled in His time of need. Our human tendency would be to withdraw from everyone almost indefinitely, but Jesus shows us that the true evidence of healing is when you can be the beacon of hope for others, despite what you went through. What you may have experienced in life may have been extremely painful. However, in the humanity of Jesus, He shows us the way to help bring healing to others who may also be suffering from their own trauma. The death of Jesus affected His disciples negatively. Sorrow and despair had taken over, not to mention the horrific scenes that Mary would have had playing over and over in her mind. She was a witness to her son’s torture, and she could not do anything to save Him. The people needed healing, and Jesus was the one to bring it. If you have gained victory over a problem, know that you are the one that God will use to minister to those who are drowning in despair. Your broken, imperfect life is the very tool that God will use to relate to someone who has nowhere to turn. Whenever that opportunity arises, seize it! Other people are depending on your testimony and your encouragement. Bounce back from the trauma, and be a vessel of healing to the hurting.