“Sitting Humbly at the Foot of the Cross” by Justin March

“While others are
congratulating themselves, I have to sit humbly at the foot of the cross and
marvel that I’m saved at all.” Charles Spurgeon

It is Easter Sunday,
and I find myself contemplating many things. I reminisce about the past and
think about the people and events that have shaped the man I am today. I look
forward to the future and wonder what it will take to strengthen my
relationship with Jesus and keep me on His path. And I ponder what this day
means, and how Easter Sunday can show me what I deserve and do not deserve in
this life.

It is difficult to
fathom how I deserve anything when I look back at the mistakes I have made. I
have regrets about the people I have hurt, there are decisions I wish I could
take back, and there are moments when I failed to witness and capture one of
God’s lost sheep. There are times where I allowed the anger from my past to
poison my relationships, and there are situations where I let my arrogance get
in the way of doing the right thing. And unfortunately, I often allow my past
to throw me into the pits of darkness, and the scars I bear can be a constant
reminder of how unworthy I truly am.

Ouch! Sounds a little
daunting don’t you think? Well, it can be if I continue to dwell in the shame
and guilt of situations and events I cannot erase. So, I think about the Easter
story and change my perspective to understand how it relates to my life today.
I pray for forgiveness and think about how my past taught me valuable lessons
and made me stronger. I look at the scars of Jesus and realize that His marks
allow me to be saved and tell an amazing story of love and grace. And I am
enlightened by how I can use my past to share stories about overcoming
obstacles and enduring hardships. Today, I am at the foot of the cross and am
finding peace in knowing that I am saved.

Spending time at the
cross allows me to move forward in life. Easter teaches me that I do not need
to wallow in those moments I cannot take back. And the story of Jesus’
resurrection gives me new hope, new faith, and new promises that I can use to
charge forward. I know I do not deserve God’s grace and undying love, yet He
continues to pour it over me. Even in times of blindness, arrogance, and
selfishness, God brings me back to the cross so I can start over and live a
life deserving of His precious gifts. And it is in these moments that my path
is visible, and my mission becomes clear.

It is Easter Sunday,
and I sit humbly at the foot of the cross. I let go of the hurt and pain of my
past and no longer spend time in the darkness that wants to hold me there. I
spend time with Jesus and touch my scars, to His, so I understand our marks can
be healing together. And I find hope in His resurrection and understand that he
loves me more than I can ever repay.

If you are struggling
to find a positive outlook on life or are reeling from the hand you have been
dealt, I invite you to join me at the cross. Together, we will share our
stories. Together, we will lift one another up. And together, we will look up
at the face of Jesus and find hope in His resurrection. We may not feel like we
are deserving or worthy to be saved, but the Easter story teaches us that all
is forgiven, and we can start anew with a life that is rich, blessed, and full
of God’s endless grace!

He is risen! He is
risen indeed! Happy Easter!