In the past year I've begun to understand hard times in our lives in a totally different light.  Now, instead of blaming God (which still happens sometimes unfortunately), I've chosen to view the hard times more as discipline rather than be consumed with self-pity.  Hebrews 12 deals with this issue in particular, and verse 2 in this chapter has especially caught my attention.

In v.2, the author encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus...who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame..."  All of a sudden a new revelation came to mind.  I understand Jesus didn't enjoy the suffering of the cross, that he "endured" it much like we endure hardship (only at an infinitely deeper level), but I've never fully appreciated that he "scorned" shame and guilt and sin and death.  Even in his darkest moment, Jesus didn't give in.  Jesus never gives in to evil.  The only thing he ever gave to evil was himself, as a sacrifice for all the times you and I gave in. 

Jesus takes an active role in dealing with issues, attitudes, and problems that seek to defeat him.  He doesn't passively give in, like we do when we say "that's life," or "everybody goes through it," or something like that.  Shame and sin sought to scorn and ridicule him, but instead of them defeating him, he scorned, condemned and defeated them. 

How different would our lives be if we stopped living defeated, passive lives filled with guilt and shame, and started believing in the Resurrection.  Started living into the victory we have over sin and death, and taking an active approach to the things that try to overtake us, whether people, situations, or own false sense of self.  I am no longer a slave to sin and death, the only power over me they have is the power I allow them to have and I won't allow them power anymore!

Live the Resurrection!