Devotionals

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THEIR PAIN, OUR GAIN

Have you ever willingly put yourself in harms way for the sake of others, or had someone do so for you? Some of our most important celebrations, anniversaries and awards are about remembering such sacrifices; and we love to honor and acknowledge those who have willingly given of themselves for the benefit of others. Every country compiles honor roles for the purpose of giving public recognition to these unsung heroes. In Australia, we take the time every Australia Day (Jan 26th)to say ‘Thank You’ to individuals who have been nominated for special recognition by their local communities. But, there are many unsung heroes who we never hear about.

I remember the overwhelming joy and gratitude I felt, after learning that a young man was able to save my daughters life – after a near-fatal car accident in 2002 – all because he willingly paid the price required to be a member of the C.F.A. - a volunteer organization that responds to emergency situations. Every summer, we gain comfort from the fact that men and women like him have committed themselves to fighting fires and attending accidents – sometimes at great personal cost – all because they want to keep the rest of us safe. The skills he learned enabled him to intervene and give my daughter a future; they also made it possible for our two grandchildren to be born a few years later. We will be forever grateful to him.

Every year in Australia, during April, we love to remember two moments in history when someone’s pain gave us an opportunity to gain.

We celebrate ANZAC Day because we understand that men and women went to war and experienced much pain, all because they wanted the world to be a better place for future generations. War is hell, but they endured it so that we could live in peace.

We also celebrate the LIFE, DEATH and RESURRECTION of JESUS CHRIST who took the sins of the world upon Himself, so that we could receive forgiveness and find peace with God. God hates sin, but Jesus willingly endured the cross so we would know just how much God loves us. Jesus explained it this way when He said,
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

May our lives reflect an enduring gratitude for ALL those who’s PAIN has been for our GAIN?

Mark Trodd (Australia)
[email protected]

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