A Lady of Impact
By Elizabeth Cole

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”
I Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)

Have you ever wondered what people will say about you at your funeral? Will they be able to articulate your heart? Would they have something to show for your time in their lives? The book of Acts in the New Testament records a situation in which one woman wouldn’t ever have to wonder. Instead, I imagine she heard it firsthand…just after God used Peter to raise her from the dead.

Acts 9:36-42 shows us the summary of a life lived for God. A woman who used her heart’s passions and her God-given skills to impact the lives of those around her. Take a look. Scripture tells us that Dorcas was always doing good and helping the poor. Upon her death, widows were quick to show Peter the robes and clothing Dorcas has made for them.

In our culture of star worship, in a society that tracks every Starbucks latte a celebrity drinks, is there any possibility that we, the Church, have bought into “the more public, the better” assessment of believers and their gifts? Completely contrary to that mindset, here stands this dear woman living out God’s plan and purpose for her life through HIS power. And the result? A life of impact for God. Look at the end of this passage in Acts (9:42): This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Every aspect of her life - - both the daily and the dramatic - - served to bring glory to the Lord. 

What about us? Any chance we’re devaluing our part, our gifts, in God’s Kingdom because they seem to be less important? If at all, let God speak to your heart today through Dorcas.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What ability do you have that God might use to bless others? Ask God to give you one opportunity today to use that ability to serve that person (or type of person) today…and then do it!

2. What would you like to be remembered for? Do you think that will be the case? If not, what do you need to do to change that?

FURTHER READING:

I Corinthians 12

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

Yup...Still Hard

By Lexi Ellis

“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”

Psalm 118:6 (NIV)

Recently, I came across a devo I wrote four years ago. I wrote it after God clearly closed a door for a friend and we were in the midst of waiting for a “window,” for Him to reveal His plan. I wrestled with a reality that sometimes we simply don’t “get” what God is doing. The timing doesn’t make sense, the answer isn’t clear, the unknown is scary. I concluded we know He will reveal a window in His timing and our job is to trust.

As I read the words I wrote, I realized something: trusting God in the midst of an unknown hasn’t become any easier. It’s not something I’ve mastered. It’s not something I think I’m better at now compared to then. While the specifics of the circumstances are different, there’s still really hard stuff that I or those I love go through. So two years later, I see this devo I once wrote on trust and I’m left thinking I’m not so great at that trust part. My response is, “Yup…still hard.”

I think that’s the point though. Trust is something that’s never supposed to be mastered or ever “checked off the list.” If it is, it’s a compliant relationship. In our wedding vows, my husband and I promised to continually work on our marriage. Why would I then ever expect there would be less work and investing that’s needed in my relationship with God? In the same way, I pray my husband and I never “check our marriage off the list” as something that doesn’t need active investment; my relationship with God should never include hoping that I have this trust and dependence thing figured out.

Trust is still hard…I don’t see it ever becoming “easy.” Despite knowing that it will still be hard, the reality is we are not alone. In a world of scary unknown - - though the specifics and circumstances differ from time to time - - there is a greater reality that His faithfulness is great! Fully trusting on God? Yup…still hard. And I think it’s a good thing it is.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take time to reflect: what’s your “trust level”?

2.  What do you need to do to continually be trusting in His faithfulness despite a hard circumstance? 

FURTHER READING:

2 Samuel 22:33; Psalm 18:30-36

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable puppy named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School. Lexi serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Personal Exodus

By Jen Wollner

“Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God!”

Psalm 43:5 (CEV)

Do you ever long for the “good ol’ days”? Wishing you were back in a place in your life where things were simple? Predictable? Safe?

I’ve been struggling with those thoughts a lot lately. I’m finding myself thinking back to a few months ago when my life was comfortable and unknowns were minimal. I was excited about changes happening in my life and the adventures they’d bring. Changes my husband and I had planned for our family. Changes we believed were being guided by the hand of our God. But, unexpectedly, we now we find ourselves in turmoil and trouble. Unplanned changes have come upon us and uncertainty is the defining theme of our lives. We feel as though we are wandering around in the “desert,” instead of enjoying the journey of getting to the “promised land” we thought we’d be in by now.

In the book of Exodus, we read about the Israelites and their literal wandering in the desert after God rescued them from 430 years of slavery in Egypt. They pleaded with Him for years to free them but now, as they struggle through the desert looking for the Promised Land God clearly said He was giving to them, they have only one thing on their minds: the good ol’ days. One moment they are celebrating their freedom by praising God through song (Exodus 15:1-21), and the next, complaining about their circumstances and reminiscing about how good they had it in Egypt (Exodus 16:3)!

Sometimes we find ourselves in our own personal “exodus.” We welcome the Lord’s leading as we move forward in our lives. But when the journey doesn’t look the way we think it should - - when trials come and we find ourselves wandering and waiting in the desert - - we long for the past, even if that past included slavery or oppression. Anything predictable is more appealing than the unknown.

In my time in the desert, God has been teaching me that looking back steals our joy for the amazing future He has planned for us. Our focus ought to be on Him, trusting Him to be with us through the difficult part of the journey and to lead us in the way we should go. All the way to the joyous Promised Land!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Do you find yourself in a “desert” today? In what ways have you taken your eyes off of Him and lost your joy? For what do you have to be grateful in this journey?

2. Who in your life is struggling? How can you encourage her toward the Lord as she walks through this difficult time?

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 15

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Eden: Past and Future

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth...”

Isaiah 25:8 (NIV)

Imagine the scene: Adam, newly created by God, enjoying perfect community and conversation with the Creator, naming the rest of creation (Genesis 2:19). “Adam, what would you like to name this one?  Cow? Sounds nice. I like how I made the eyes on this one…very gentle. Let me show you how she needs to be milked. That will be part of your job. Oh, what about this one? Hawk, you say? I love how majestic he looks in the air.Then there’s this little guy…Bunny? I’m especially fond of his softness. We’ve got another one, right next to the one you called Lion…Lamb? That sounds perfect. This one will need to have its coat cut back. I’ll show you how we’re going to do that. Let’s take a look at the fish next…”

Fast forward to Genesis 3. Eve and Adam have disobeyed God. Their eyes are opened to their nakedness (v. 7) and they sew fig leaves together to cover themselves. My mind’s eye sees them as franticly gathering leaves, helplessly trying hide their nakedness from God, but more importantly…their shame.

God still sees them, and knows that the perfect communion He created and enjoyed, has been shattered. His creation will now experience pain, destruction and death. He sees the shame, and knows the fig leaves will not hold up. So “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). Here Scripture records the first death. Visualize, “Adam, I need you to bring me Lamb. I will help you with your nakedness. This is how you will cover yourselves.” And the precious pet is sacrificed to cover their shame, while they look on. In the background, Hawk swoops down to take Bunny, and Cheetah takes down Gazelle.

The world became broken. And I want to weep for what was lost.

Thankfully, God’s story is not finished, and someday Eden will once again be restored for those who follow Him:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

And I want to cheer for what will be found again.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Spend time imagining yourself in Eden and what communion with God will be like.

FURTHER READING:

Isaiah 65:17-25

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home group leader.

Necessary Differences

By Susan Klein

 

“One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.”

Romans 14:5 (NASB)

 

In the current historical drama Lee Daniel’s The Butler, a father and his adult son become estranged due to their different stances in the heat of the civil rights movement. The father, born and raised on a cotton plantation, leaves home seeking employment elswhere as a butler. Eventually, he is invited to work in the White House, faithfully serving several U.S. presidents over time. The elder son heads off to Fisk College where he becomes involved in sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations, hoping to affect change in the racially tense climate that exists. When the son is arrested, his father tries to discourage further involvement, fearing for his safety and disapproving of his methods. The son is only driven deeper by his passion for change and eventually joins the Black Panther Militia. Without giving away all of the movie, suffice it to say that these actions drive a wedge between the two of them and the father cuts off all contact.

 

This type of scenario has been common to man throughout history. Differences of opinion lead to divisions in families and separate the closest of friends. Political and religious differences seem to invoke the most estrangement. Experiencing this firsthand with his coworker Barnabas, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue in his letter to the Roman believers, who seem to be struggling with each other’s spiritual peculiarities. He makes the point that each believer is at a different place in his or her spiritual walk, and that not all should expect to behave in the same manner. Depending upon cultures, personal histories and spiritual maturity, all hold to their own set of standards for behavior. Paul exhorts that it is not for one to pass judgment on the other, but to be convicted of one’s own beliefs and act accordingly.

 

God knows better than we do what qualities each of us needs. He created all His children with unique abilities and talents “to do the good works He prepared in advance for us to do”   (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). He has a divine purpose for each individual. Rather than focusing on our differences, we ought to celebrate each other’s uniqueness and acknowlege the wisdom of the Creator in His choices of how He gifts each one of us for His service.

 

Not until the father in the movie is quite old does he realize that he and his son really had the same passion for change. Each just had their own unique way of displaying it. (It has a happy ending!)

 

GOING DEEPER:

1.      How might personal differences be causing strife in any of your relationships?

2.      Can you trust God’s working in those differences?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 14:1-8; 1Corinthians 10:23-24, 31-33

 

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood.

A Change Will Do You Good

By Brita Crouse

 

"God, who has called you into fellowship with his 

Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

1 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)

 

I love fall; it is my absolute favorite season. I love the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees. I love the fall wardrobe: sweaters, boots, coats, hats, and scarves. I love the cool weather. I love the fall-inspired drinks you can find at every coffee shop. I love the excitement of going back to school and the start of football season. I especially love what fall represents: change - - a new season, a new beginning.

 

I have not always been so open to change and what a new situation will bring. I used to put up a lot of resistance when it came to one thing ending and another thing beginning. I found change to be too stressful and uncomfortable.

 

I remember when my parents first dropped me off at college - - a big life change. My roommate and I lay in our beds and cried. We were so scared of being left on our own, in a new place, with new people, far away from home. We were afraid of what new changes may bring. 

 

I realized something very important during this time. Change is stressful and uncomfortable, but it is also exciting and necessary. Change reveals to us an amazing characteristic of God: faithfulness.

 

What would happen if we never accepted any changes in life? Imagine if Andrew and Peter had never followed Jesus, but instead remained fishermen. Imagine if Moses didn't follow God's call and never led the Israelites out of exile. Imagine if Noah never stepped out in faith to build the ark, or David never left all he knew to kill the giant and become king. These people were risk-takers, trusting in a God who is always faithful. They saw that firsthand! 

 

When I graduated from college this year, I was so happy and thankful for the memories I made and the friendships I developed during my time away at school. God proved faithful through this major change and allowed me to be richly blessed because of it. How different my life would be if I hadn't allowed God to show His faithfulness!

 

It is easy to be afraid of change because of its uncertainty or its inconvenience. But, if we put our trust in God, He will remain faithful!

 

With the start of a new season, don't be scared of what changes may come. Rather, embrace them!

 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  What are some changes that you could start embracing this week?

2.  Pray that God would open your heart to life changes that are honoring and pleasing to Him.

 

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

Brita is currently working toward her Master's in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

People-pleasing, affirmation-seeking, problem-fixing…any of these words portray you as well as they portray me? These descriptors aren’t necessarily all bad. The problem comes when these attributes lead to burnout and put us in places we shouldn’t be.

Have any of these situations fit you?

-      You feel led to make a change in your ministry, but self-imposed guilt over leaving your current place has you unable to change.

-      You have a desperately-needed personal time scheduled, but a last-minute call from someone who needs help has you chucking your plans (and this isn’t the first time!).

-      A loved one has issues with irresponsibility.  And you move, time and again, to put yourself between them and their consequences.

What do all of these things have in common?  A lack of trust! Trust that God will fill your ministry spot with someone else He has in mind. Trust that God will provide another suitable helper (or rearrange the other person’s priorities). Trust that God will use situations to grow and mold your loved one. Ultimately, it’s trust that God will do His job - - without your being in charge.

Let’s be honest…trying to do God’s work in all of these places is grueling. It leads to exhaustion in family, in ministry and in our own relationship with our Savior. We were never meant to do it all. God has given us each a set of precious responsibilities and gifts. We must guard our priorities, because to not do so will result in the breakdown of our own hearts via stress and fatigue. When the distractions come, we have to learn to respond appropriately.

In my case, I repeat to myself advice from a friend: “Not my circus, not my monkeys!”

                                                                                                   

GOING DEEPER:

1. What situations are occurring in your life that you need to step back from and let God take the lead?
2. For further study, consider reading the book Boundaries  by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 125

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home group leader.

Out of Hiding

By Elin Henderson

“…and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”

Genesis 3:8 (NKJV, emphasis added)

We all know that feeling as parents. We walk into a room, spot a disaster of some kind, and encounter a silence like no other. There isn’t a soul to be found, seen or heard. And we all know what has happened: Someone is hiding and, generally speaking, it is the perpetrator!

           

From the time we are little, the number one response to doing wrong is usually hiding. This negative behavior is nothing new but, in fact, is as old as mankind itself. If you think about it, it was the first response to sin. Adam and Eve knew they had sinned and they HID themselves. Imagine the silence God encountered when He came down to walk with them in the garden that day!

Now granted, as we get older, the hiding takes on different forms. It may or may not be physical hiding. We might hide emotionally from people by always keeping our relationships shallow. We might hide spiritually by avoiding encounters with spiritual people or places. Either way, we see our nakedness - - our bare emptiness and failure - - and we retreat to those bushes where we think we can find safety and security. Then, like Adam and Eve, we try and cover ourselves with leaves from those same bushes, like somehow that will hide our nakedness. What we really end up hiding is who we really are. We try and appear in a “clothed” form that isn’t really “us.”

It isn’t hard to hide from people. They are easily fooled. In fact, we may encounter many friends in the bushes with us, or walking around in the same leaf outfits. Sometimes the guise goes so far that we even fool ourselves.

Hiding from God, though, is another story. He knows the ugly, naked truth of where we are, who we are, and what we have done, but unlike a world that would judge us or be fooled by us, he looks on us with love. He gently allures us from our hiding places and graciously covers us with His clothes of splendor. He keeps who we are as individuals intact, but covers us and makes us presentable so that we can stand unashamed!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some reasons we hide? (Ex: fear, shame, regret…)

2. Who else can you think of in Scripture who tried this “Hiding Tactic” either with other people or God? (Hint: Moses, Jacob…)

FURTHER READING:

Hosea 2:14; Psalms 139:1-12

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.

Lightning Bug

By Peggy Kleckner

 

“....let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

 

I am always delighted when I notice God’s encouragement in my day. Sometimes, it is a large display and some days it is simple and very small. The other night I looked up just in time to spot a firefly outside the bedroom window...just one going by lit up. I smiled in secret joy, knowing that He knew I had noticed.

 

So, what’s the big deal? I mean really, a firefly is just a beetle. Ah, but a beetle with the gift of light! Who hasn’t been tickled by the display of fireflies lighting up the night? Perhaps you have even taken a mason jar out at night and chased after them, collecting them and then setting that jar on a picnic table to watch the display of God’s splendor in the body of a bug!

 

I have to tell you that I have enjoyed thinking about that bug all week. I was struggling with some discouragement that particular day, and that little light was enough to remind me that I serve a very BIG God. The bug’s light isn’t constant - - it flashes on and off - - but it still lights up the night around itself. I am lit up by my BIG God and my little light might be used by Him at just the right time to encourage someone. I don’t have to be perfect to be used by God to point others to Him.

 

I couldn’t help giggling when I thought of the worship song with the line that says, “He has told every lightning bolt where it should go.” So, I have been singing to myself, “He has told every lightning bug where it should go.” [1] Yep, right past my window in order to encourage me!

 

The funniest conclusion to this story is that about two days later, I came back from a walk to have my husband tell me of his encounter with a firefly right in the den of our house! He was watching TV when he noticed a small green light....that moved. He had to wait a minute for it to fly away from the light of the TV in order to catch it and release it back outside.

 

I am hoping that he too was encouraged that God indeed does tell every lightning bug where it should go!

 

 

GOING DEEPER:

1. What or whom did God use to encourage you this week?

2. What small thing can you do to encourage a friend or neighbor?

 

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 5:14-15; Genesis 1:1-4; Psalm 18:28

 

[1] Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable”

 

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield. 

Impersonating "The King"

By Karen D'Amore

 

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

 

Elvis Aaron Presley died on August 16, 1977 at the young age of 42. An American singer, musician and actor, "Elvis" was one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Referred to as the "king of rock and roll," many called him..."the king." Since his death, Elvis has remained one of the world's most popular music icons, as well as, one of the most popular celebrities impersonated. [1]

 

During my brief residency in Las Vegas, I quickly learned that "Elvis" was synonymous with "Vegas!" The streets, The Strip and entertainment stages were saturated with Elvis impersonators. Truly a one-of-a-kind with distinct attributes! His curled lip, gyrating hips, jumpsuits, colorful collared shirts, long sideburns and famous phrase: "thank you, thank you very much" were (and still are) his commonly mimicked characteristics. Some of the impersonators I witnessed were ridiculously poor; others bore so close a resemblance, one would think "the king" was still alive.

 

Thirty-six years after his death, millions of devoted followers and thousands of impersonators actively seek to keep "the king's" memory alive. This, to me, is a powerful testament to the multitude of lives touched by Elvis.

 

Researching the life of Elvis Presley, I found some interesting parallels to the life of Christ. Those close to Elvis tell of his passion for the Bible and fervent pursuit of God. Later in life, he became a prisoner to success and appeared to wander from The Truth. [2] In hindsight, one might conclude that Elvis (in a convoluted way) was attempting to model his life around spiritual truths and impersonate the Jesus he longed to know. It's reported that when fans acclaimed Elvis as "the king," he would reply, "I'm not the king. There is only one King." [3]

 

Scripture refers to Jesus as "THE King." As Christ-followers, we are exhorted to impersonate Jesus... "THE King!" With His distinct virtues and attributes poignantly revealed throughout Scripture, we need to meditate on The Word to learn how to imitate Him and follow in His footsteps.

 

Considering the range of poor to excellent Elvis impersonators, I'm drawn to reflect on myself as a "Jesus impersonator." Do I walk like Him? (Colossians 2:6) Do I talk like Him? (Colossians 3:17) Do I think like Him? (1 Corinthians 2:16) Do I love like Him? (Matthew 22:37)

 

As those impersonators who look nearly identical to Elvis draw people to believe "the king" is still alive...we as Christ-followers should so closely impersonate Jesus that we reflect to the world... "THE King" is alive in our lives!

 

GOING DEEPER:

1. How well are you impersonating Jesus? 

2. Are there attributes being poorly imitated?

 

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 5:1; 1 John 2:6

 

[1] http://www.biography.com/people/elvis-presley-9446466  
[2] http://www.elvisinfonet.com/

[3] http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/andrewmcfbrown/100037084/elvis-presley-seeker-after-spiritual-truth/

 

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.  She also serves on the Oakwood Women's Ministry Special Events team.

Feed Me
By Elizabeth Cole
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

 

It started out innocently enough. The flower shop was doing poorly, but Seymour had come across a most unusual plant. Convincing his employer, Mr. Mushnik, that this flower could be just the thing to turn business around, Seymour displays “Audrey II” (named after the girl he loves) in the window of Mushnik’s Flower Shop. And the customers stream in to see the beautiful oddity.

All’s well at this point in the story. Audrey II is the best thing that’s ever happened to Seymour. But late one night, alone in the dark of the flower shop, Seymour discovers what his beloved plant really wants from him: his blood. At this point, Little Shop of Horrors turns into a classic, dark tragicomedy. At first, Audrey II is satisfied with just a manageable amount of nourishment, but soon a band-aid isn’t nearly enough to cover the evidence. And her pretty little silence becomes a loud, booming bass voice shouting, “Feeeeed Meeee!” Shortly after that, the truth comes out: Audrey II’s intention is to completely consume both Seymour and everyone he cares for...which she proceeds to do quite successfully by the end of the musical.

Ever notice how small secrets in our lives don’t stay that way forever? Isn’t it interesting to note what we do in the darkness of night, or in the darkness of privacy? How habits that begin as easy to hide behind a “band-aid” start requiring more and more and more of our lives? Like a big, ol’ alien vampire-plant, they call out “feed me” and start consuming all that matters most.

I don’t know a single person who purposefully set out to become addicted. Addictions are insidious, seeming just fine...so manageable...at the onset. But make no mistake, when fed, they will eventually kill. Kill innocence, trust, relationships, health, hope.

Makes you glad to have a Savior who’s all about rescuing, doesn’t it? A Friend who gave His blood so you wouldn’t have to. A Deliverer who sets us free. Scripture makes it very clear that we have access to a power that breaks bondage, a power that can starve an addiction and feed a life of soul-freedom. No addiction...ever, anywhere...is beyond the reach of our Redeemer.

It is for freedom that you have been set free.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you feeding today?
2. Envision a life of soul-freedom. What will you do today, in Christ’s power, to live it?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:19-23, Romans 8:1-17; 2 Corinthians 3:17

 

 

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church.

The Comfortable Cross

By Elin Henderson

“…Come, take up the cross and follow me…”

Mark 10:21b (NKJV)

           

We sing about the “wonderful cross,” the “glorious cross,” and the “cross of victory.” But do we really understand, in full, what the cross signifies? What it means for our lives when we are called to take up that “cross” and follow Him? Yes, it is wonderful. It is glorious. It does bring victory over death. But what about when Jesus carried His cross? It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t comfortable!

We see Christ bearing up under the strain of a heavy, cumbersome rough-hewn tree, but then we somehow envision our cross in a different fashion. We see something small, manageable, possibly made of balsam wood, sanded and varnished till it shines. Maybe there is even a little cushion in the crux of it for ease in carrying?!

We want to serve, and we want to follow His example in cross-bearing. But we often shy away from the suffering and struggle it entails. “I’ll go where you want me to go, Lord! Anywhere…as long as there is running water, electricity, people who love me, easy communication.…” Of course, this applies to those in overseas ministry only, right?

What about those at home? “I’ll serve where you want me to serve, Lord! Anywhere…except in the dangerous   inner city, or among those who might be resistant to the Truth, or…” And the list goes on. We pick and choose the cross we want to bear. But there is no window shopping for a comfortable cross. There is one cross, and one cross alone, that brings life!

Ministry, anywhere, brings along with it the cost of sacrifice. The cross isn’t meant to be comfortable, but we are also not meant to bear it alone! (Matthew 11:29-30) He knows the weight of the cross we are called to bear, and He will carry it along with us.  Let’s not shy away from what is hard and instead look for a comfortable cross. Rather, let us embrace the true cross of Christ: heavy, rough and uncomfortable, yet all the while wonderful,  glorious,  victorious  and life-giving.

GOING DEEPER:                                                       

1. Is there a cross that God is calling you to today? What steps do you need to take to embrace that cross?

2. What things do you need to let go of in order to do so?

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 6:14; Hebrews 12:2    

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to fifteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.