The Cross

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments that challenge our understanding of God's plan. We face trials, setbacks, and circumstances that make us question the very foundations of our beliefs. But what if these moments of apparent defeat are actually gateways to profound breakthroughs? What if the cross we're called to bear isn't a burden, but a bridge to divine strength and purpose?

Changing Our Perspective

For centuries, the cross was seen as a symbol of shame and defeat. In the early days of Christianity, believers avoided its public depiction, favoring less controversial symbols like the fish or the shepherd. The cross was so reviled that pagans used it to mock Christians, as evidenced by the infamous Alexamenos Graffito – a 2nd-century carving showing a man worshipping a crucified figure with a donkey's head.

To the Roman world, crucifixion was the most humiliating form of execution. To the Jewish leaders, Jesus was a blasphemer getting His just deserts. And to the disciples, the cross represented the crushing of their hopes and dreams. It looked like the end.

But God had a different perspective.

Where the world saw death, God saw life. Where humanity perceived defeat, the Divine orchestrated victory. This radical shift in viewpoint is at the heart of our faith journey. It challenges us to look beyond the apparent and trust in the unseen work of God.

From "Why" to "How"

In times of trial, it's natural to ask, "Why is this happening?" We question God's allowance of our suffering or the deviation from our expectations. However, the transformative power lies not in asking "why" but in shifting our focus to "how."

How will God be glorified in this situation?
How is God going to use this for His good?

This change in questioning opens our hearts to see God's hand at work, even in the most challenging circumstances. It aligns our perspective with God's, allowing us to see potential breakthroughs where we once saw only burdens.

The Cross: Unlocking Breakthrough

The cross, once a symbol of shame, became the key to unlocking unprecedented breakthroughs:

1. Breakthrough over sin: The penalty was paid in full.
2. Breakthrough over death: The grave lost its grip on humanity.
3. Breakthrough over shame: Jesus bore it so we don't have to.

These breakthroughs remind us that our current struggles, no matter how overwhelming they may seem, can be the very vessels through which God's power is manifested. As the Apostle Paul beautifully articulated in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

This paradoxical truth – that our weakness becomes the stage for God's strength – is at the core of the Christian walk. It invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, knowing that in doing so, we create space for God's power to shine through.

Your Breakthrough May Look Like a Burial

Sometimes, the path to breakthrough can feel like a descent into darkness. It may look like a burial, but in God's economy, it's the preparation for a resurrection. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the natural world, where a seed must be buried in the dark earth before it can sprout into new life.

Consider the story of a family who faced a Christmas with nothing – no means to afford gifts or celebrations. In that moment of apparent lack, they discovered the richness of God's provision and the true meaning of the season. What seemed like a low point became a treasured memory of faith and family unity.

You're Not Alone in Carrying Your Cross

In the Gospels, we read about Simon of Cyrene, a passerby compelled to carry Jesus' cross (Mark 15:21). This account serves as a powerful reminder that even in our most challenging moments, we are not meant to bear our burdens alone.

God has provided multiple sources of support for our journey:

1. The Holy Spirit: Sent as our helper and comforter.
2. The Church: A community of believers called to support one another.

As Scripture encourages us:

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

These verses remind us of the vital role community plays in our faith journey. We are not designed to face our crosses alone. The body of Christ is here to encourage, support, and sometimes even carry part of the load when our strength fails.

Embracing Your Cross

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that the crosses we bear – our struggles, weaknesses, and trials – are not mere burdens. They are potential breakthroughs waiting to be realized. Where the world sees defeat, God is orchestrating victory. Where we feel weakness, God's strength is being perfected.

The invitation is clear: change your perspective. Look at your challenges through the lens of God's redemptive power. Ask not why you face trials, but how God will use them for His glory and your growth. Embrace your vulnerabilities, for they create space for God's strength to shine.

And remember, you're not alone. The Holy Spirit is your constant companion, and the community of believers is there to support you. Together, we can bear one another's burdens, encouraging each other as we walk this path of faith.

Your cross is not a burden—it's a breakthrough in disguise. It's not the end of your story, but the beginning of a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and strength. So take up your cross with courage, knowing that in your surrender, you'll discover a strength beyond your own – the very power of Christ resting upon you.