A few weeks ago in our women’s support group, we had the chance to “paint and pray.” A lot of people are familiar with the term sip and paint but thanks to the creative collaboration of Faith and Tatayana we were able to pray for one another, our community, and nation while painting our own handheld wooden crosses.
After the table of paints, quotes, scripture verses, paint brushes, napkins etc. were spread out on the table and each woman picked their cross, magic began to happen!
I was blessed to sit back and observe the whole process and though I did not specifically paint my own cross, I was equally grateful for the overall experience.
Tatayana had brought to the groups attention, the symbolism of the day we painted and what it meant to us. You see Faith and Tatayana had mentioned “paint and pray” several weeks prior, but for one reason or another we kept getting side tracked or delayed. The Wednesday night that it actually occurred just so happened to be during the Lent season.
With excitement in her voice and joy in her eyes, Tatayana said, “It’s like it was meant to happen now, we are taking up each others cross.” (Paraphrasing as I don’t recall the actual words used- but it is the basis of todays inspiration)
With the thought of Lent season in mind I am reminded that Lent is not about being perfect, it is about growing in one’s faith.
What do you think the term carry your cross means?
Some may think it means just like Jesus we too should be tortured, beaten, and crucified. Because Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, we don’t have to suffer the treacherous death like He did. So what does it mean you ask?
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life must lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Luke 9:23
One biblical scholar says, “to carry your cross, means to fully put your trust in God amid the storms and battles in your life.” He goes on to say, “It means that although you may be in an extremely difficult or painful situation, you always trust that God is with you in the midst of your suffering.”
The Word didn’t say because of Jesus’ suffering for us we wouldn’t have to suffer. With everything going on in our world like senseless killings, school shootings, gender inequality and discrimination, hate, racism, and other issues we know that is not the case at all. But if you apply Scripture to our day to day lives, we know although we go through things, we have to trust God.
What does trusting God look like?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting God could look differently for each person.
- When we are anxious, afraid, and in fear but we still trust Him and believe Him to be a true and faithful God.
- We make the choice to depend on God even in our weakest moments.
- We rely on Him to strengthen us.
- As Scripture says we don’t lean on our own understanding.
- What could you add to list in regards to trusting in God? (List them in the comment section below)
Speaking of the term leaning. I am so blessed by the faithfulness, sisterhood, and strength of the Strong Tribe we all know as Koinonia’s Women Support Group. I know this is a group of prayer warriors that are some burden bearers. I so lean on their strength when I am weak (seems like that is the life of my story right now)…and their are so many other men and women in my life I could say the same for (we will be here too long if I list everyone by name but they know who they are).
So when Tatayana said take up your cross, sparks 🧨 flew. Initially my mind was in ✈️ mode but it wasn’t God’s will for the message to come out when it did. No!!! My spirit tells me when this message comes out that it will be a source of encouragement for someone in their time of need. My God tells me that for the one who has been weeping night after night and day after day; God is saying you don’t have to cry anymore, you don’t have to worry, everything will be alright in the morning.
To that person (you know who you are) God is saying to you this morning lean on me. He is saying especially when it seems like I am far and distant, I am closer to you than I have ever been. He is saying to you this morning hold on, I am here to rescue you out of your pain, your hardship, your sleepless nights, your burden, your sorrow, your anxiety, your depression, your loneliness, I am here to HELP YOU and I am the true source of help in your time of distress.
Too often we try to handle it all but can I tell you this morning though our body is “ours” we don’t control NOTHING! To bear the cross of Jesus means we deny ourselves. Denying ourselves and living a life pleasing to God ain’t going to be an easy road. No my sisters and brothers you are going to get persecuted, there will be periods of grief, you going to suffer some pain, and there will be lots of temptation. God knew this and so being the God He is, He sent us help!!!!!!!!
God is calling us during this season of Lent to release. My God is calling us to deepen our relationship and strengthen our faith in Him.
Come to me, all ye who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Though carrying our crosses may look different and we travel down different roads, our destination will end up being the same. Make the choice to follow Jesus. Make the choice to remember just as Jesus willingly took up His cross for us, that we must take up our cross for Him.
My sisters and brothers I want you to know that even though it seems like you can’t win the war you are in right now, rest assured Jesus has already won the battle. Some of us will receive our reward here while on Earth and for some of us, death will be our ultimate reward and so we will gain our reward in our next life, but God still gets the victory.
This morning to that person that is needing a word of encouragement, God placed it on my heart to tell you this morning that your pain has a purpose. Anything you go through in this life is for a reason. And as Fantasia said, “it is necessary.”
“God will use our crosses, to not just build us, but build others as well.”
All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
Romans 8:28
If you are like me, we’ve been running or hiding for a mighty long time and God is saying stop running and come out of hiding. Though it didn’t seem like it, I’ve been with you and I’ve had a hand in your life this whole time. Even when you ignored the signs, couldn’t hear my voice because of the mental anguish, even when you thought it was easier to stay in sun, even when it seems the only option was to quit or end things permanently, I want you to know it all apart of God’s plan. Stop running. Deny yourself friends and take up your cross.
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Scripture says take up your cross DAILY and follow Him.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrew 12:2
Brothers and sisters, adjust your crown 👑 and readjust your cross (I know it is a little heavy right now) but be encouraged, you got this AND GOD HAS YOU!
I forgot we made these. We need to do this again. I need to remind myself to stop running and take up my cross.