A Cross on the Hill

by Diane M. Komp, MD

For everyone who has bargained with God, and for everyone who left the faith and turned their back on him, there is a continuing reminder of his searching love—a cross on the hill. If this message is not for you, you will know someone for whom it is especially suited. But deep down, we all need to be reminded that it is not so much what we bring to the cross that matters as what the cross has brought from God down to us.   —Phil

    “For 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 NRSV)

    John rushed to the hospital as soon as he heard about the motorcycle accident. His brother's injuries were so severe that they thought he might not live through the night. As he looked out the waiting room window, John saw a lonely illuminated cross shining on a nearby mountain. He began to pray.

    “If my brother lives,” John told God, “I will lead a good life. I’ll even give up smoking!” He thought about other bargaining chips that he might have with God. But his brother died. John looked at the cross one more time with anger, and felt his faith perish.

    John married, raised a family, discontinued any contact with the church— and continued to smoke. That was many years ago. Then he found himself back in the same hospital waiting room. This time his son lay close to death.

    Matt writhed in pain, clutching his belly. The child was too tired to cry. There was an ominous yellow cast to his skin. Cancer! At that moment John looked out the same window and saw the same cross, still shining on the same mountain.

    He could hardly believe that this was happening to him a second time. This time had no bargaining chips. He made no offers. He simply, humbly put his life in the hands of the One who had hung on a cross. John surrendered his life and his family to God.

    Matt has more than survived. He completed his treatment a few years back and has no evidence of cancer today. At ten years of age, he prays for other children with cancer! And Matt's dad? John learned that the power of God belongs to those who know that they have nothing to offer Jesus except their hearts.

    I watch John gather his family into his arms today and think about all the times I’ve told God what I would do for him. But all he has ever wanted from me is to acknowledge my own powerlessness and look to the cross for my aid. What a foolish person I have been!

Used by permission of Zondervan Press. Excerpted from "Breakfast for the Heart: Meditations to Nourish Your Soul" by Diane M. Komp, M.D. Available at your local bookstore or by calling 1-800-727-3480.

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