By Pat
"Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull." (John 19:16, 17)
This is the time of year referred to by Christians as Holy Week. It is a reflection of the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, a very somber time for Christians as we think about our Lord walking the loneliest walk He would ever have, and carrying his own cross to where He knew he would suffer a horrible death. I can't begin to imagine the terror and dread He must have felt. And yet, He continued on with dignity, courage and strength. He obeyed His Father. He knew that if He trusted in God, no matter what, God would not let Him down and would provide the necessary tools to bear the burden, and that He would be rewarded for His faith.
What cross are you carrying? Do you carry the weight of financial difficulties? Is your cross physical ailments? Perhaps you carry the cross of family discord or difficulties with children, or maybe you carry a combination of more than one of these things. Do you bear your cross with the obedience and faith of Jesus? Do you trust in God to walk your lonely paths with you?
No matter what you're carrying, you're not alone. Jesus has walked that road, carried His cross, and knows better than anyone what you're going through. He will help you carry your cross, and if you keep your eyes on Him, you will be victorious, whatever the outcome may be. This life is temporary, and we were not promised a trouble-free journey. The only thing that matters is maintaining your faith, following through, trusting God, giving Him the glory, and focusing on eternal life with Him, courtesy of the greatest gift we will ever receive-our crucified and risen Lord Jesus.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6)
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.