The Greatest Sacrifice

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’s Progress during one of his prison stays. This allegorical story is one of the most successful Christian books of all time.

It’s easy to look at John Bunyan’s impact on the church and assume he had it all together. We tend to put Christian leaders on a pedestal. Our local pastor couldn’t possibly struggle with sin or with mental health issues. Right??? Not so. John Bunyan’s writings reveal his struggles with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, doubt, and depression.

John Bunyan’s 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: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.â€

Christians face struggles with sin and other brokenness, but we are loved and forgiven because of Jesus’ death and resurrection—forever 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). • Sharon Rene

• Why is it sometimes easier for us to rely on God when we realize our own weaknesses? Why don’t we need to be perfect for God to love us (Romans 5:8)?

• If you’re struggling with any kind of mental health issue, who are trusted Christians you can reach out to, such as counselors, parents, or pastors?

• 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.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.†Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Mark 15:33-38; Luke 24:44-47; Hebrews 10:1-18