You are not alone in your suffering, your struggle, or your lament.

On Good Friday, the whole world acknowledges the cross & death of Jesus. Jesus showed us that brokenness is not failure or faithlessness–it is the doorway to new creation. The cross must come before the resurrection. Death comes before new life. That pain is very real right now.

The cross reminds us that Jesus unites his body in adversity. We are united with one another not only in praise, but also in lament. Challenging times are an invitation from heaven to join Jesus in his suffering so that we may join him in his overcoming.

Unity of the people of God is a goal of heaven. Unity comes through humility. We think of others above ourselves and look out for their interests as well (Phil 2:3-4). The Kingdom of God is unshakable.

If we live in it and represent it, then we need to join together in the same way - become a body ‘which cannot be shaken’. Unity does not mean uniformity. It takes the whole kaleidoscope of humanity to reflect the full image of God.

Adversity is an invitation to move beyond our petty differences and be joined to one another. Beyond our denominations, our theologies, our language, or our borders. We have a chance to release all the unnecessary things that divide us.

Let us join with Jesus and with one another in submitting to the will of the Father. Let us nail to the cross the idols, selfish ambition, and pettiness that keeps us from unified at heart.

Let us choose to come arm in arm with our brothers and sister and kneel before the cross of Christ today remembering that In Christ alone our hope is found.

Written by @yourbrainbyjess