Standing Strong in the Storm

I love the visual of this photo … a cross at the top of a mountain with shards of ice extending from approximately 3 inches to 2 feet from the back of the cross. It’s a clear day and the reflection of the sun on the ice accentuates the dramatic visual effect. This cross has obviously been in a severe storm, with high winds, yet it is still standing tall with just remnants of the storm hanging on until the sun melts all evidence of the storm away.

As I examine the photo more closely, I can see the cross is anchored firmly in the dense dirt and rock of the mountain. The cross is built to last. Given its size, the cross is clearly visible to climbers who want to ensure they are heading in the right direction.

How many times in my life have I looked for an indicator that I’m doing the right thing and am headed in the right direction? When I emerge from the storms that invariably come my way how do I find my bearings? I look to the cross.

I heard a great song from Johnson Ferry Worship that says everything I wanted to say so I have shared the lyrics here.

The Cross Still Stands

When faith is hard to find and I can’t see you
When broken things of earth enslave my heart
When the pain won’t end and shadows often linger
And my hopes of happiness are torn apart

The cross still stands
And your love and endures forever
In sorrow I’ll remember the cross still stands
The cross still stands in triumph over darkness
In everything remind us the cross still stands

When flesh gives way to sin and I am broken
When I’m sinking in my shame and my regret
When I want to run and hide I feel you reaching
In your love You seek me out I won’t forget

There is no guilt there is no sin
To make him bear the cross again
It was enough our victory forever won at Calvary

Bobby Smith | Jordan Watts | Spencer Roth
© 2017 Johnson Ferry Worship (Admin. by Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Inc.)

Today, in the midst of a troubled and uncertain world, the cross of Jesus continues to stand as a welcome symbol of hope!

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. I Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)