I've been lost before. I'll bet you have to. I've been lost in cities, the countryside, and in foreign countries. Thankfully, it always turned out right when I stopped and asked for directions.  One time, I took a chance and followed the car with U.S. plates and it magically drove right by my hotel while in Canada.  Was it luck or the work of an Unseen Hand?

I've also been lost in life.  I wandered away from the safety of the shore and was left wondering exactly how to get back to it.  Tread water and wait for a boat or swim?   I needed to get back to myself, my purpose, what I believed in, and who I really was supposed to become.

I remember the day I gave the information for my dog tags to an administrative person in Chicago. I was in-processing since I didn't actually receive them until I was in Texas.  They take down your name, social security number, birth date, and religious preference.   I told the woman I had no religious preference at the time and she freaked out.  She began to admonish me for not believing, you name it.

I went on to explain that it wasn't that I did not believe but that I had no preference of a religion, not exactly the same thing.  The conversation escalated so much on her part that a supervisor came over to see what the problem was.  He then told the woman to mind her own business and put down my 'no preference' since they were my dog tags and not hers.

I have often looked at those dog tags and thought "I should have put down something".
I definitely regretted it. Yet years later, after I reaffirmed my commitment to the Lord at a non-denominational service, it struck me how the He had used my 'no preference' as a way to bring me closer to Him.

God does have a sense of humor.  He knew where I had been, how I felt with the countless faiths I had delved into and used a service without a specific doctrine to call me firmly into the fold.  Now when I come across my dog tags, I smile at them and run my thumb over the no preference line.  I thank God for finding me where I was.  He validated me and a choice I made.  He made it turn out for His glory and I am always amazed at how He always works things out for good and the good of those He has called.

"Shall I crucify your King?" Pilate asked.  - John 19:15 (NIV)

As I write this, I am thinking about Holy week and what it means for Christians. The week beginning with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem ends with his crucifixion and burial in a borrowed tomb. Sounds pretty depressing right? Why would anyone bear witness to this horror?  Because of the resurrection of our Lord.  There is triumph and salvation to all who will come and believe.  There is a promise of grace for all who will stand and proclaim this truth. 

I've been studying the crucifixion.  Jesus said those who are called to follow Him will also experience the same.  The servant shares the master's fate.  And then He says to count it all joy - in the midst of these trials He tells us to rejoice!  Is He insane or are those who truly follow Him the insane ones?   Because let's be honest for a second, would you willingly walk to the cross and have your hands and feet nailed to it?  Would you give up your life to not only your friends but every person around you?   Would you think for one second you need to rejoice in this suffering?   Absolutely not - it is total madness yet a believer who has poured themselves out in complete obedience will do that very thing.   Such service is not for the faint of heart and this is also why Jesus speaks of a narrow way that few find.  

Jesus said "And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me" Matthew 10:22 (NLT)

Life hasn't been the same for me for some time since I chose this path.  I have endured heavy duty persecution. I have lost every friend in my life before and I have also been given back friends and blessings too numerous to count.  I have been betrayed.   I had to put into practice daily forgiveness and true repentance.  There is no guilt or condemnation uttered from my lips for those who had hurt me or for myself.  I emerged from the grave of my former life a new creature. I am the same girl but I am not at all like I once was. There is an urgency to this work now.  Time is fleeting.  There is a boldness of spirit, an unwillingness to stand down.  I received an anointing of God.  It cost me just like it will cost you.  But viewed from this side, it is worth everything.  I would willingly walk through the fire again and count it all joy to be in this place.  Oh let me remind you to beware what you say because you will find yourself in such a fire again.  

God desires brokenness in order to reshape us.

Yes here I am again.  This time around, I find myself hanging on a cross, my body feeling as if I have been beaten.  Pierced by a sword.

To whom much is given, much is required.    I will walk through the darkness of death to experience the resurrection for myself because I know the power available, I know the souls who need to see the redemptive power of such grace.  I understand the price and yet I say let me drink from this cup, Your will be done, not mine.  

Jesus said "You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy".    Let's be honest, would you follow this path?  Will you commit to such brokenness in order to receive this joy?  Would you do it for yourself let alone another?

I am in tune with God and His Spirit because of the call on my life.  Don't be discouraged if you don't feel or know the same things.  We are not all equipped in the same ways.  In the coming days and months, I want you to know I will need Him more than ever because I am the furthest thing from perfection.  I am in desperate need to be in touch with His grace and strength.  

Consider this your own personal Holy week, the week you can receive for yourself.  Perhaps instead of waving your palm you will cast it down at the foot of the cross.  Proclaim your allegiance to Jesus no matter what the cost.  We know the end of the story. Jesus triumphs over the grave.  He is the King of Kings.  And you have been called.  

Will you answer?