By Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director
What does it mean to bear our crosses? It means enduring hardships, facing persecution, and remaining steadfast in our faith despite the challenges we encounter. Jesus warned us that in this life, there will be trouble (John 16:33). Yet, He also promised that we would never be alone in our struggles.
One of the most harrowing examples of human suffering is the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Over four centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homes, transported across the Atlantic in brutal conditions, and sold into slavery. The inhumane treatment and high mortality rates during the Middle Passage resulted in the deaths of millions of people. This chapter in history is a stark reminder of the immense suffering that can occur in the darkest times.
The hymn “Amazing Grace” is a poignant reminder of God’s grace and redemption. Written by John Newton in the 1770s, it reflects his personal journey from a life of sin to one of faith. Newton, once a captain of a slave ship, experienced a profound spiritual conversion, eventually leading him to renounce the slave trade and become an ardent abolitionist. His hymn continues to inspire and remind us of the possibility of redemption and change:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.
John Newton’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of God’s grace. I have never had a comparable experience to what John Newton went through. However, in times of despair, we may connect with John Newton in our own ways. 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV) tells us, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” This moving verse not only highlights the profound sacrifice Jesus made for us but also speaks to the healing that His suffering brings. It gently invites us to consider our personal struggles and the burdens we carry each day, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey.
One of the most comforting truths of our faith is that God understands our struggles because He lived through them. Jesus, fully God and fully man, experienced the pain, sorrow, and temptations that we face. He knows what it means to suffer, and He walks with us through our darkest moments.
At Worship Anew, we are committed to sharing the message of God’s love and grace with those who need it most. Through our ministry, we reach out to individuals who are facing their own crosses, offering them hope and encouragement through the Gospel. Your support enables us to continue this vital work, bringing the light of Christ into the lives of countless people.
As we journey through the Lenten season, we are reminded that our lives on this earth often involve challenges. Let us remember that our struggles are not in vain. They are part of our journey, shaping us into the people God has called us to be. Let us embrace our crosses, knowing that through them, we are drawn closer to God.
May this season of Lent be a time for deep reflection for all of us. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. God is with you, and His promises are true.
Just as John Newton found redemption and transformation through God's amazing grace, we too can find strength and hope in His unwavering love.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24 ESV