The Greatest Sacrifice

Published: Dec. 3, 2020, midnight

b'Who was John Bunyan? Born in 1628, he wrote many successful books and had a great ministry. He also spent many years in prison due to harsh government rules and started writing The Pilgrim\\u2019s Progress during one of his prison stays. This allegorical story is one of the most successful Christian books of all time.\\nIt\\u2019s easy to look at John Bunyan\\u2019s impact on the church and assume he had it all together. We tend to put Christian leaders on a pedestal. Our local pastor couldn\\u2019t possibly struggle with sin or with mental health issues. Right??? Not so. John Bunyan\\u2019s writings reveal his struggles with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, doubt, and depression.\\nJohn Bunyan\\u2019s story reminds us God uses broken people like John Bunyan, you, and me. We all need grace. In Christ, we find that grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God gives encouragement to Paul and any Christian facing struggle: \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d\\nChristians face struggles with sin and other brokenness, but we are loved and forgiven because of Jesus\\u2019 death and resurrection\\u2014forever a part of His family and kingdom. Jesus personally knows what suffering and temptation are like, so we can come to Him with anything we face (Hebrews 4:14-16). \\u2022 Sharon Rene\\n\\u2022 Why is it sometimes easier for us to rely on God when we realize our own weaknesses? Why don\\u2019t we need to be perfect for God to love us (Romans 5:8)? \\n\\u2022 If you\\u2019re struggling with any kind of mental health issue, who are trusted Christians you can reach out to, such as counselors, parents, or pastors? \\n\\u2022 If you need someone to talk to about depression, anxiety, or something else related to mental health, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.\\nBut he said to me, \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ\\u2019s power may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nMark 15:33-38; Luke 24:44-47; Hebrews 10:1-18'