Stretchmarks

When you want something really bad all you want is that particular noun. Have you ever experienced a child reaching out, stretching out their arms towards you and without a word out of their mouths you know what they want? Yes! they want you, more than that, they want you to reach out, lift them up and carry them in your arms. Some people long so much for such an endearment act from someone that they develop stretch marks; Paul was one of these. I think that Paul mentioned that he shared Jesus scars, not only mere stretch marks, but bruises, punches, chain marks, malnutrition, piercings, whippings, ridicule and more, not to mention that Paul was not doing this to pay for his sins and someway or another earn salvation, Paul suffered all of this knowing that Jesus had saved him, redeemed him and would one day receive him if he just believed. God said to not be afraid of what humans could do to you. Jesus endured all this and death, and Paul, his follower, followed. Paul did not have to suffer, but, Jesus did not have to suffer either yet He did. Do you share God's scars? To be honest, I confess I feel life touch me and I weep, complain, and retrieve sometimes away from the Lord, I act like such a baby. However, God has said to us: Follow me. Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest. Come near to me and I will come near to you. With my right hand I will help you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. God your Lord with all your mind, strength, heart, and soul. Follow me. Oh, and remember, we will live with God for eternity and concerning our longing, well, this is what God has to say about that:
The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The LORD has spoken.