The Power of the Cross

Have you ever been driving down the road, listening to some wholesome radio, and a song comes on that just moves you to tears? That happened to me today with a song called The Power of the Cross. I won't even try to explain it, just listen to it and I bet the words will touch you the same and you'll see what I mean.

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath-
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow. 

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry. 

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God-slain for us.
What a love! What a cost! 
We stand forgiven at the cross.

This time two years ago, I was overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit at a night-before Easter service. I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ and made the decision to be baptized as an adult. Standing in the baptismal prep area, I remember one of the pastors cautioning the lot of us who had been touched to take this step to heart, to make it not just an "Easter miracle" but something that lasts the rest of our lives. What happened to me that night was genuine, and boy what a difference it has made in my life!

Now, I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was 6 years old. Some people laugh at that, but I still vividly remember that day and I know that it, too, was genuine. When I look back at my life, I can see clear moments when God was obviously walking beside me, protecting me. My life has been a bit...chaotic, if you will. A lot of hurt has left me with more than my fair share of scars. As a young adult, I still claimed Christ and I tried to be a "good Christian", but I honestly didn't know who He was in my heart, nor did I understand His immense love for me.

2 years ago, I had just dropped out of college, and not for the first time. I was greatly suffering from the effects of severe Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis mixed with an addiction to cutting. The few supportive people in my life were at their wit's end and didn't know what to do. I was scared by what was happening to me, I felt alone, and I was probably the biggest mess you've ever seen. If I hadn't found a ministry home for girls like me, I very likely would have been homeless. I was completely and 100% broken and at rock bottom.

Because of JESUS CHRIST, I can honestly say that I don't even recognize that girl today. She seems like a distant memory. The last two years have brought total healing. I am a happy, healthy, and whole person. I'm back in school and doing very well, if I may say so myself. I have been off medications for over a year and have been cut-free for 18 months. I still have life struggles and I am still dealing with the cards I've been dealt, but I no longer feel like I'm drowning. I HAVE HOPE and that hope comes from no one but my GOD! Once I opened my adult heart, Jesus walked in and made me feel like that loved 6-year-old again. It is hard to explain, but it's like I met a totally new Jesus and the more I get to know Him, the stronger I become. 

Oh to see my name written in the wound 
For through Your suf‘fring I am free 
Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live 
Won through Your selfless love 

This Easter, I'm thinking about the power of the cross. MY NAME was written in His wound. He took the death that was suffocating me and crushed it. He has given me a life to live for Him. I can't even begin to explain the emotions that flood over me when I think about the redemption I've experienced the last couple of years. The only word is LOVE. Deep, pure, selfless love. Christ died for YOU and me, and He brings redemption to even the most broken of us. To HIM be the power, the honor, and the glory FOREVER.

Stand forgiven at the cross this Easter. He's waiting for you.

Be Still,

Ashley Anne