Hidden Cross

Hidden Cross

5:28

Psalm 23:3 (ESV): "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

Psalm 32:8 (NIV): "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart... and he will make your paths straight.”

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV): "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'.”

How do we keep our faith strong when the cross seems to be hidden? When we feel alone, or blindsided by life?

I was walking the other day at our church where our church’s cross can be seen from pretty much every point of view. It stands on a hillside above our property, making visibility possible.

There is, however, a turn where trees and terrain block the cross from view. As I approached that spot, I thought, I know the cross is still there, I know that in two more steps it will pop out once again. However, how would I convince someone else of that if they believed it had truly vanished? How does one explain trust and faith? These invisible qualities of belief?

During my next two steps I have to trust and have faith that, though I can’t see it, I know the cross. didn’t go anywhere.

How does someone who is going through a trial, test or just a challenging time, trust that God hasn’t left them?

That He’s watching to see how we maneuver in the dark?

Do we trust in His promise-I will never leave you or forsake you?

Do we call out for help (pray)? Do we admit we are in the dark, and have no idea where to go (honest humility)?

Or do we get on our knees and begin to feel our way out? Trusting our own senses?

There are times I am tempted to trust my own way instead of God’s. I fail to see His path, while my path, my planning and my vision seems brightly lit, or at least seems brighter than God’s. During these trials, I need to have faith that God still has a plan and a reason for His silence. And that plan is greater than mine. I need to trust that He walks faithfully next to me. He hasn’t left me, nor forsaken me (Heb.13:5).

I might not see His hand moving the pieces, but I can trust that those pieces will be moved for the good. I can trust the unseen, as long as God is with me, directing me. He won’t trip me in the darkness.

I have to have faith, however, to take that first step into the darkness, the unknown.

God will not make us walk far without reminding us that He is there, right next to us. It might still seem dark, but darkness shared, is so much better than darkness alone. Keep holding His hand, He will lead you. Just don’t let go.

How are you doing today? Are you reaching out for God’s hand? Holding it tight? Trust He’ll never leave you.

Father,

You are a good God who trains us in righteousness, Psalm 33:8, NIV.

You lead us beside still waters, Psalm 23:2.

You lead us through the darkest valleys, Psalm 23:4, NIV.

You guide us in Your truth and teach us, for You are God our Savior, and our hope is in You all day long, Psalm 25:5.

Once we have experienced the darkness with You, we have something to fall back on, thank You. Please be with those of us who are trusting You for the first time. Be with them as You help strengthen their faith.

Thank You for loving us so much and help us to know that training is part of that love. It’s nice to know You are always with us.

Amen.