Mike Weaver, frontman for Big Daddy Weave, shared that the song “This Is What We Live For” came as a result of a trip to Egypt, where he processed the loss of his father and other family illnesses in the face of the need of the people for Jesus. “When a person realizes the hope that they have in Jesus, and that becomes the greater voice in a person’s life, that reveals the purpose that’s bigger than the pain.“
“But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” - Jeremiah 20:9 (NLT)
As a pastor, I‘ve walked through many different points of pain with many different families. In all kinds of loss, fear, pain, and disquiet, Jesus alone offers a message of hope and peace.
If you are going through one of those times right now, I want to remind you that Jesus really is near to you in your hurt. He knows your needs. His good news is for all of us in these difficult times.
But the good news about the Good News is this: This is the work of the whole church, not just pastors. This is what we live for…together!
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As Christians, we have an opportunity to take the hurts of this life and bring them to peace. Jesus brought us into a work of great joy by giving us our great purpose in Matthew 28. When we hurt, we’re reminded of the work He did to make things right. When we, like Mike Weaver, experience difficulties and hardships, we can turn that pain into rejoicing, and offer hope to others around us who may be experiencing the same thing.
“This is what we live for
To love the way You love
So God be lifted be up
Come be Light in the darkness.”
We share the Good News of Jesus with the world. This means we are ambassadors for Christ to our neighbors, our family, our coworkers, or anyone we have contact with. Once, when working at Best Buy, I was able to share my hope in Christ on a regular basis, and people asked me about Jesus when those questions came up for them. When you realize the hope of Jesus is helping you thru your pain it gives you confidence to share with others the reason why you have hope in your pain. God is with me walking me thru this because he loved me and died for me and he died for you too. Jesus was the answer to their hurts.
This is our great work of love in His Name, that we would share about His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
There is no news on earth better than this news! The Apostle Paul even said this, “When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” - 1 Corinthians 2:2-3 NLT
This is the only message that brings life to those who are suffering and sad.
This is our great joy. This is the fire within our bones!
“When You breathe, even dry bones come live
When You speak, God, You shut down every lie
You’re the reason for this hope in our lives
I’m gonna testify, I have to testify.”
Digging Deeper:
- Prayerfully ask God about sharing the Gospel with someone who is hurting so they can hear about healing and hope.
- Work on developing your 30 second and 3–minute testimonies. Practice sharing them with your friends or family. It’s easy to get started.
- What was your life like before you met Jesus?
- How did you meet Jesus?
- What is Jesus doing now?
