“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” —Hebrews 12:1
One of the joys of my year was watching Crossroadians come forward in worship to create our own “cloud of witnesses” mural. Since the beginning of fall we’ve embraced our call to live into the extraordinary grace of God and to show this world the way to joy and purpose and hope. In short, we are taking seriously God’s invitation to be peculiar!
And because it can feel lonely sometimes to be set apart – – even for the best reasons – – we are also called to surround one another with encouragement and to be for each other a “cloud of witnesses”. When we gather for worship or study or mission, we give our Crossroadian family members the confidence and courage to keep running the race God has set before us. And, in between, we pray for each other and ask God to fill our community of faith with perseverance and joy.
This week I reluctantly took down the mural but discovered some amazing words shared on the backs of those cards. Here are just a few things Crossroadians wrote about their peculiar calling in this upcoming season:
- “Fight for justice.”
- “Give a voice to those who don’t know how to speak up for themselves.”
- “Love and dwell in God’s Word.”
- “Get involved in a Bible study.”
- “Grow as a father to our growing family.”
- “Give emotional support to my daughter who is at a crossroads in her life.”
- “Have more grace in helping my parents.”
- “Quiet my mind and discern where God is calling me next.”
- “Help others to not be fearful in making difficult decisions.”
- “Provide an example of a different set of priorities among my co-workers.”
- “Show grace and compassion to my team at work.”
- “Help grieving people.”
- “Bring light & hope to those in darkness, encouraging resilience & kindness.”
- “Carry the message of recovery from alcohol addiction.”
- “Deepen my faith so I can share it.”
- “Know God and share that knowledge with others.”
- “Make more friends.”
- “Connect with others.”
- “Find a new mission opportunity in my community to help at.”
- “Be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus.”
- “Use the talents God has given me to help a non-profit.”
- “Becoming a deacon and stepping out of my comfort zone.”
- “Grow as a leader.”
It is incredible how God’s Spirit is calling us in this next season! And God will strengthen us and give us everything we need to faithfully follow our call, including an amazing “cloud of witnesses” to encourage us in this race set before us. Take heart, for God will accomplish great things in and through us!
Grace upon grace,
Pastor Scott
