A guest post by Janet Eriksson . . .
The Lord never tells us things are going to be easy. When we choose to walk with Him, we begin a journey of dying to ourselves.
But He does tell us He is with us every step of the way.
I felt those truths profoundly as I walked along the Via Dolorosa many years ago in Jerusalem. I have felt those truths every day since then, as I allow God to bring me to the end of myself, so I can have new life with Him.
We know God’s desire is to bring transformation in our hearts and lives. He is making all things new. That is not just for a future time, when we will experience a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1, 5). It is also for right now. The more we die to ourselves every day, the more we experience new life in Christ today.
One of my unforgettable moments on that journey through Jerusalem was walking into the garden tomb, and then turning around to walk out and seeing the words above the doorway: “He is not here; for He is risen” (Matthew 28:6 NKJV).
From there, I took communion in the garden with our group, and then prayed with people who were seeking God for healing. I prayed, “By the power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead, you are healed.” I had said those words before in prayer, but they felt different now. A new depth of the Spirit was stirring my faith for healing and transformation.
My trust of Jesus that rose deep in my heart was not just because I had stepped out of the tomb and rejoiced, “He is risen.” It was also because I had walked along the Via Dolorosa and would continue to walk it, dying more to self each day as God continues to transform my heart. The faith I declared for healing came from allowing God to bring me to the end of myself, so I could live in Him, and invite others to trust Him too.
Copyright © 2020, 2022 by Janet Eriksson; Via Dolorosa photos by Janet Eriksson
You may enjoy listening to these songs as you reflect on the journey Jesus has taken for you, a journey He continues to walk with you today:
“Via Dolorosa” by Sandi Patty (This link will open a new window in YouTube.)
“How Beautiful” by Twila Paris (This link will open a new window in YouTube.)
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Janet Eriksson is an intercessor, writer, and teacher in Dahlonega, Georgia. She loves conversation with friends, front porch swings, sweet tea, and spending time on lakes and rivers. The author of nine books and editor of many more, Janet blogs and teaches online at https://adventureswithgod.blog/.