The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1: 18
The paradox of the cross is a struggle for many, including those of us who have been raised in the faith. In Paul's first chapter to the people of Corinth, he reminded them that they were most likley not of noble birth, not educated, so not powerful by human standards (1 Cor 1:26). Paul goes on to show the example of how the meek can teach the "mighty" a lesson or two about being holy by saying that it is through Jesus that we are sanctified, made righteous, and redeemed. As we look to the cross, for many of us, our first inclination is to run away. Instead, if we look again, and acknowledge our fear, turning to Jesus on the cross for strength, we will indeed be strong and wise in the way of Jesus. "..for the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (1 Cor 1:25)
In my own experience, when I try to control every outcome and spend time and energy imagining what may happen, I end up mentally and spiritually exhausted, as if I am at a dead end or in front of a very tall wall. Contrary to that, when I take a few moments to spend time in prayer, thinking about how I am made holy and redeemed through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, I can ask God for the strength to rely on His outcome for me. I am renewed in spirit and strength.
