I was on my way to church one Sunday, when I couldn't help but notice the man walking on the side of the highway. Not only was it raining, but he was walking uphill, dragging a huge cross on his shoulder.

As I passed this stranger, I was wondering why he would want to carry this huge cross in the rain, getting drenched. Was he trying to make a statement? Was he going through this ordeal for himself? I never did find out why the man was doing this, but there was one thing that I learned from this situation:

He stepped out of his comfort zone.

I am sure that this man isn't the only one who has hauled a huge cross on his shoulders in the name of his Christian faith, and neither will he be the last. There will be scoffers who will say that this is just a publicity stunt or that it is for show. Whatever the cause, I don't think that anyone would do something like this for publicity; it is for a personal reason that he is doing this. He is rejecting being laughed at, sneered at, and made fun of.

Matthew 16:24 – Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." (NASB)

Do we dare to step out of our comfort zones when we see someone in need or trouble in order to help our neighbour?

Prayer: Lord God, help us to step out of our comfort zones and put our faith into action. Give us the strength to speak up for those who cannot speak. Give us the strength and wisdom to stand up for the truth. Help us to deny ourselves, pick up our individual crosses, follow You, and do Your will on earth. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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