“The Rugged Cross

The beat up, splintered, weathered, uncomfortable and unpolished cross.

It’s so easy to wear one around our neck and not carry one on our back.

It’s uncomfortable.

It’s awkward.

Dying to self is.

We must daily pick it up and carry it.

It’s gotten too easy to simply say and do things without truly being transformed. To wear without weighing the costs.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. If you’re following Jesus’ path and His footsteps, remember… His footsteps led to a cross. Why shouldn’t ours – Christians (“little Christs”) – lead to hardships as well?”

…

Hardship. Suffering.

We often think that these things shouldn’t be a part of our lives as Christians. And while suffering certainly wasn’t a part of perfection in the garden, and won’t be a part of the restored heaven and earth, suffering certainly is a part of our lives in the present. Not suffering alone; there is also joy, freedom, and peace. Yet Scripture clearly tells us to expect suffering and trials as we follow Jesus. Read with me the following Scripture verse:

“²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
– 1 Peter 2:20-21 ESV (emphasis mine)

So let’s not be discouraged when we face trials of many kinds, brothers and sisters (see James 1:2-4), rather let’s press in all the more, dig deep in faith, fellowship, and Scripture; and pour our hearts out before God in prayer.

Just as Jesus’ steps to the cross, while pain-filled, were purposed…so too will be yours.

Pain-filled, peace-filled, and purposed.

Journeying with you,

Lizzy Blanchard