Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the famous Russian author, spent many years in a Siberian prison. Conditions were extremely tough and demoralising. At one point, Solzhenitsyn became utterly discouraged and decided to give up and die. His plan was to stop working one day in the field, lean on his shovel, and wait for the guards to come and beat him to death.
However, when he stopped, the prisoner next to him quickly realised what he was doing, and before the guards could notice what was going on, he leaned over and drew a cross at Solzhenitsyn’s feet. Solzhenitsyn later said that as he looked down at the cross his entire being was energised by the memories and hope that it inspired within him.
For as we look upon the cross it should bring some powerful memories to the fore: We can remember how God exuberantly created by breathing into dirt shaped into human form and then saying, ‘Live’! We should remember how God joyfully danced before his people as he led them out from under Egyptian oppression, and then again as he led them out from Exile. The cross should remind us how God so lovingly laid down his life for us all, and then how on the third day after the crucifixion God breathed into Jesus and said, ‘Let’s do it again – let’s bring life!’
The memories that the sight of that cross inspired in Solzhenitsyn meant that he could actually look forward with hope. For even though he had only the tears and despair of prison life in his immediate future, somehow he knew that God would continue to always be faithful to him – even while he was in prison – and so now he could actually look forward with hope.
That wonderful combination of memories and hope not only meant he did not have to give up on life, but he could actually celebrate it. He did not have to wait until his prison term was over until he started living again, but could know a rich and abundant life in the here and now – NEVERTHELESS!
May that be so for you also! For perhaps your life feels drought-stricken at the moment – maybe you have been praying for relieving rain for months. Perhaps crime and violence has left you living with despair. Perhaps your financial situation, or your relationships, or your work or your lack of work has left you travelling with a heavy heart.
May you see the cross again, drawn in the sand of your life. May the sight of the cross provide you with the same inspiration for life that it did for Solzhenitsyn. May you be reminded that you do not have wait for tough times to pass or your circumstances to radically change before you can live to the full again. May you be brought to a place of true joy – not fleeting emotions that come and go – but an ability to celebrate life as it really is.
May you remember God’s faithfulness, may you hope abundantly for the future, and may your present be utterly transformed by God’s own character – God’s exuberance, God’s love and God’s joy!
PRAY AS YOU GO
Lord our God, help us live life inspired by both the memories and hope that the cross inspires in us. Whether we are facing laughter or tears, help us to live to the full in the moment – nevertheless! Amen.
FOCUS READING
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
