Sunday, December 10, 2006

The Old Rugged Cross

Today I stood before my people during the invitation time. We were singing about "The Old Rugged Cross" and I had one of those moments. My heart was heavy, at times I found it hard to sing as I was overwhelmed with emotion [this seems to be happening a lot now days]. As I surveyed my people, I found myself singing over them but at the same time praying for them as specifically as I could.

And as I surveyed...

There was the young wife who finds herself doing the next month alone as her husband is away for military training. She has two children under 5 and I know it's been tough lately. She was at church alone today and I know longing for her husband to be by her side. Thank you God for the old rugged cross and the power it provides to forge ahead.

There was the mom who found her heart heavy because her youngest son needs a kidney transplant. She's already lost her husband. She can't bare the thought of losing a son. Thank you God that in the old rugged cross there is hope.

There was my friend, a new believer, struggling to be the passionate follower he was just two months ago. So many struggles. So many temptations. I wept as I saw the burden of his heart. He wore it on his face and I prayed that the old rugged cross would continue to be his pursuit.

There was the exchange student. To the best of my knowledge this whole Christianity thing is completely foreign to her. As I sung I prayed that one day she would embrace the old rugged cross in all that it is and would find salvation in the arms of Jesus.

And the list could go on. So many people. So many hurts. So many struggles. So many questions. And yet at the old rugged cross we find refuge, we find healing, we find answers.
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So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.


3 comments:

Sandi said...

Yes your heart would be heavy Chad, for many reasons........the PAIN, FEAR AND SORROW you see for your congregation and FOR "YOU" this is again, one of your "first" without Amy. YOU ARE STILL IN MOURNING. Thank God, your love for the Lord, keeps You CLINGING TO THE OLD RUGGED CROSS!

Mark 14:36 "Father, Father", everything is possible for you. Take away this cup from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.

Love and hugs, aunt Sandi

Jen said...

WOW! That was a sermon in itself!
Somehow you always manage to bring me to tears!
NO, it's God's love through that old rugged cross that brings me to tears!
Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

As I read through your blogs I am very impressed with what I see. To see a man who has so much going on in his personal life, giving so much back in love, care and appreciation is pretty moving.
As a soldier when your fellow soldier dies, or goes down with injuries it affects the whole platoon. We always come together, pick each other back up and stand side by side. It appears that is what the old rugged cross and your congregation are now doing for you.
Loveland High really turned out some good people. I am always amazed at what I find out. I have been around the world and with all I have seen I am never more impressed with anything as I am the people and the place I grew up. I wish you well Chad.
Kurt Davis