The cares we bear and the pace at which we run can cause us to forget the cross’s power in our lives. This sad reality struck me as I packed a family member’s boxes for moving.
My three-year-old granddaughter wanted to help, so I invited her to seal boxes with me. I taped the containers lengthwise; she taped across the top widthwise. At one point, after smoothing the tape down, she said, “This is a cross. It’s like Jesus. He died on the cross.”
Sure enough, she was right. Two strips of tape formed a cross. She noticed it, but I did not. The busyness and concerns of the day had absorbed my attention.
The incident begged me to take note and ask the question, “How often am I oblivious to the cross and its power in my life?”
I fret over gas prices and gasp at my grocery bill. I stress over too much work and too little time. I worry about my kids and grandkids and how they’ll flourish in a world gone wild. I wonder how I’ll meet my next book deadline and what the future holds for the ministry my husband directs—who will his successor be, and how will higher airfare prices affect volunteers wanting to serve in Eastern Europe and the Middle East?
I see only deadlines, worries, and chores waiting to be done while Jesus wants me to see His presence and involvement in the details. I fret and stew even while the cross stands ready to offer strength and hope and victory over all those things and much, much more.
Can you relate? Do you sometimes unconsciously try to do life on your own, forgetting about the cross’s power to help you rise above fear and uncertainty and despair? If so, you and I are not alone. I suspect that’s why hope is in short supply these days and why fear runs rampant.
Let’s commit to asking God to make us more conscious of the cross and its power in our lives.
The cross’s wooden beams are where Jesus proved the depth of His love for me and you. It’s where He bridged the gap between us and our holy heavenly Father. It’s where He conquered our worst enemy once for all and made a way for us to rise above all that robs us of freedom and joy and peace.
The apostle Paul expressed the truth so eloquently when he wrote, “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT)
The cross is far more than a piece of artwork at the front of a church sanctuary or a piece of jewelry to wear around our neck. It represents the power of Jesus over death and the power of God that works mightily within those who place their faith in His Son.
When we feel betrayed or unlovable, the cross erases all doubt of God’s love for us.
When we feel alone, the cross reminds us that Jesus promised to be with us until the end of the age.
When we face a situation that appears hopeless, the cross declares victory.
When we feel trapped by besetting sins or addictions, the cross breaks the chains and sets us free.
The cross represents God’s undefeatable power at work around us and in us. May we learn to live in its power rather than our own. “Father, make us more mindful of the cross and its power in our lives. Help us to live in its truth every moment of every day, grateful for the work Jesus accomplished for us on its wooden beams. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Casting Crowns’ song reminds us of the power of the cross. Let these lyrics stir your heart to worship and joy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhnxV43cYYg
My latest three devotional books are filled with reminders of the cross and its power in our lives. Order your autographed copy here:
Finding Hope in Crisis: Devotions for Calm in Chaos
Keeping Hope Alive: Devotions for Strength in the Storm
Fresh Hope for Today: Devotions for Joy on the Journey
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