Taking The Journey: Down the Via Dolorosa

Lenten season has begun. 
A time to reflect on the Cross and all it means.
Suffering, death, resurrection.

The Via Dolorosa - Jerusalem

It all starts with the journey down the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering.
And as this week approached, my husband and I were pushed headlong on to that road.
Definitely not our choice to take this route.
It felt like Satan had thrown the gauntlet down and hurled his largest and sharpest spears. They struck deep.
We were not hit totally unaware for we have seen and experienced his bombardment before.
But the extent of his hatred always shocks you and takes the wind out of you.
We were plunged into circumstances that said clearly, "Where is your God?" "Did God really say He was near, that He would never leave you?"
And we could almost hear the devilish cackle, "Ahahahaha".

But God.
He sent a sign of His 'seeing' and His lovingkindness through a human angel and we rejoiced.
How angry that made Satan.
He lashed back. Harder.
And this time he roared with laughter.
Instead of falling flat, my husband and I knelt together.
At the Cross. Satan pushed us to the Cross. Together.
How awesome is that.

My Bible reading from the Psalms literally became my prayer as I cried out to God, "Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy."
Satan's last blow has some serious issues that remain visibly unaddressed.
Did that leave cause for anxiety and disquiet?
Ummm, yeah. For a while.
Then God intervened, not with resolving the situation, but with turning my heart to Him, to His love, to His love letter to me, via this post from Lisa-Jo Baker - (In)Courage. She mentioned a quote from someone else that we were pre-approved; stamped with His approval of love. She said:

God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will.

Expect love, love, and more love!

What if you believed it?

What if you changed up the dialogue in your head? 

And so I did. And God led me to this video posted by Steven Furtick from Elevation that depicts God's unconditional love:

Elevation Creative: Unconditionally from Elevation Media on Vimeo.

And so instead of allowing the roil of anxious thoughts and lies, I chose to dance and enjoy the embrace of my Lord.

My Lord loves me and Oh, a wonder I see.

A rainbow shines through my window, my Lord loves me.

He died for me, on the Cross of Calvary.

He took my sins and my sorrows, He died for me.

I have to admit that when I think about tomorrow, I am filled with trepidation. But I'm learning to live in the present, to be grateful for His Presence now. He's got tomorrow in His Hands.

I am not alone on this journey. I have the best walking buddy, the best Guide.

That is why I can take the Via Dolorosa.

He walked it before I did and took the brunt of my pain.
I need to taste it, so I can be cleansed and be made more like Him.

But, unlike me, He CHOSE to walk that road out of His love for you, and me...

Listen to Sandi Patty as she sings this glorious song:

The journey continues.

Looking forward to connecting with you along the way and squeezing your hands.
May our Lord bless you this season. Thank you for dropping by.
Love, Sita


(Linking up with Faith Barista for her writing prompt "Taking the Journey" at JamWithMeThursdays)