The disciples followed Jesus and loved him. But it wasn’t until his death and resurrection that they grasped who he was. This realization propelled them to risk their lives for their love for him and their faith. It can also compel us to do amazing things in his name despite our fear or anxiety. When God poises us for his service, the question isn’t, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
Instead, the question is, “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” The cross of Christ is not only equipping—it’s also commissioning. It’s a promise to stand on and a call to participate in his glory.
Paul writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Jesus’ disciples had ample reason to grow weary and lose heart; at some point, we will, too. Fear and anxiety are natural responses to the pain and uncertainty around us. That’s what makes the transformative power of the cross just as relevant today.
One of the characteristics of a woman in Proverbs 31, or faith-filled woman in scripture, is her ability to “laugh without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25, NLT). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and victory over death also gives us reason to act confidently. This confidence is not rooted in the events around us but in the promise of God in our hearts. Further, the best way to express our gratitude for these varied, powerful blessings of the cross is to live them!
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