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

Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than humans! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God has exalted Jesus to his right side as leader and savior so that he could enable Israel to change its heart and life and to find forgiveness for sins. We are witnesses of such things, as is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 5:29-32

Think

Honestly, I struggle with the words obedience and authority. These words make me feel like I’m losing my agency. When I hear these words I start to squirm in my seat… I think of imbalance, a lack of justice, and privilege. That’s a lot of negative baggage. But I do not believe that the type of obedience that God requires is anywhere near the same as these earthly ideas.

Instead I think obeying God has a lot more to do with faithfulness. When we are present to God and our faith, when we pay attention to and tend to our relationship with the holy, we are being obedient.

And acknowledging God’s authority means recognizing that God has bigger plans, that God’s will comes first. When we remember that God’s will is rooted in love, this comes more easily. God cares for us; God wants good for us. To receive this goodness and care, we give our lives up to God.

Every day we may witness God’s power and might. Are we paying attention?

Samantha Haycock

Pray

God of power, sometimes I struggle with letting go of my own will and my obedience to earthly things. Help me to remember that you have only the best in mind for me. Teach me to be faithful so that I might receive your grace and love more fully. 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.