Journey to the Cross

Pause

Transform my fear, that I might proclaim courage.

Transform my doubt, that I might proclaim hope.

Transform my uncertainty, that I might proclaim faith.

Transform my sin, that I might proclaim forgiveness.

Listen

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”

John 20:19-23

Think

The disciples lock themselves away out of fear. I have to say, I think I would probably be right there along with them. How many times do we lock ourselves away? How often are we overcome with fear?

Now, I am not speaking of actually hiding in a room out of fear… rather, we lock up our hearts and souls out of fear. The fear that we are not good enough. The fear of failure, which keeps us from action. The feeling that we do not know ourselves, others, and God deeply enough to know what is right. This type of fear keeps us from fully realizing the grace of God. We lock ourselves away from giving and receiving forgiveness.

Jesus calls us to transform this fear. We are sent out to proclaim our worth. We must stand up with courage to forgive others and ourselves. In doing so we cast out fear and embrace God’s grace. Then we may go into the world proclaiming God’s peace.

Samantha Haycock

Pray

God of courage, sometimes I feel like I am holding my breath. My own fears keep me from resting in the knowledge that you are always with me. Help me to know that I am enough. Send me out, filled with your grace and forgiveness, that I might unlock the doors of your people’s hearts. Amen.

Go

Proclaim God’s truth in all you do.

Go with courage.

Go with hope.

Go with faith.

Forgive and be forgiven.

All in Jesus’ name.