Take Up Your Cross
It’s 2am and sleep is nowhere to be found. Maybe it’s because of the energy supplement I had to take at lunch time yesterday. Maybe it’s because of these restless legs that are killing me. Maybe it’s because my body only knows how to sleep very medicated. Maybe the devil knows I’m preaching for eternal life change this Sunday at Refuge Church.
This is certainly not unfamiliar territory for me. So, I’m not freaking out because I’ve been here before especially on Saturday nights. I know these are the times I’ve seen God work his greatest magic. When I’m totally depleted of my strength and forced to rely totally on His strength. When the devil is coming at me from every angle and I find myself desperate on my knees in prayer.
Of course, these moments are never welcomed. However, I can’t deny that God uses them to grow me and reveal Himself powerfully to others. My honest heart’s desire is to do the will of God. This life is short and these trials are temporary. I want God to use me to point countless souls to Jesus. If that means this is the cross I need to bear I’m willing to endure this suffering. Not because it feels good, but because it’s all about God’s glory being revealed in the end.
“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.“ Hebrews 12:1-3
Pastor Craig Crosby 