Meet Me at the Cross

I think it’s safe to say the novelty of quarantine has worn off, and the reality of our circumstances is taking root in our hearts and minds.

Last week was hard for so many reasons. How can I focus on my kids’ education when I’m overwhelmed with the realities of everything else? How do I admit that I can’t manage teaching three children simultaneously (and ALL the logins)? How do I process the uncertainty of it all?

There are moments of such preciousness being home with family, and then, without warning, a dark cloud of anxiety consumes me.

Enough. Be still. This burden is far too great for you to carry, so bring it to Me.

This is what God is shouting from the heavens. My child, I never wanted you to do this alone. But for so long you thought you could and should. You have not failed in finding peace for lack of trying but rather for not resting in my grace. I am using this time to grow you and reconcile my people back to Me.

Philippians 2: 5-11

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

I have been reminded that this week leading up to Easter must have been the most difficult of days for Jesus. He knew the road He was walking and the cross that awaited Him. He cried out to God and then fully submitted to God’s plan for me…for you. His sacrifice gave us grace. His time of darkness gave us light. His ultimate gift gave us life eternal.

Grace, my friend. God wants us to experience His grace. As Chip Ingram often reminds me, I can stop trying harder and start to renew my mind in God’s grace which will transform me.

And it starts at the cross. Will you meet Him there?

Ashley
“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”