Devotion - Making Way

What preparation needs to be done to allow Jesus unhindered access to your own heart? Are there rough places of bitterness that need the bulldozer of forgiveness? Are there valleys of complaining that need to be filled with contentment? We can’t afford to neglect this spiritual engineering. Let’s prepare the way for the King! — Joe Stowell

Sadly, I have answered "Yes" to both of the questions asked above. Bitterness and complaints fills my life. Recently, I have been complaining about someone who accused me of doing something that I have never done, and being bitter to those who are accusing me.

One day, at work, I was listening to the Bible as usual, and I came to the book of Matthews. Once again, I was told the story of Jesus, but this time God spoke to me through this story with a different perspective. God told me to follow Jesus as a role model. In the book, Jesus never hold a grudge on those people who crucified him. In the movie, "Passion of the Christ" Jesus' eyes were very gentle when he received his death sentence. There were no hatred and bitterness. He even healed the person whom Peter cut off his ear when he walked up to attempt to take Jesus away. Honestly, I can't do it... But God is telling me that I must. I must care for those who prosecute me like Jesus did. May God continue to mold me to become more like Jesus. Hardship have filled my life, and I'm honored to receive such challenges because behind every pain and suffering, it is always for something good.