The Year of the Cross

By Sara Maynard

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Cor: 2:2

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:17,18

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… Rom 1:16

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On January first, after a number of weeks of waiting upon the Lord, He spoke to my spirit in a quiet voice saying, “This year will be marked by the cross.”

Immediately my spirit was flooded with revelation as to what this meant. These are the four main areas of application I see in the spirit, although others are likely to manifest as well and likely others will discern them. 

1) A year where suffering and persecution will be a tool God uses to strengthen, refine and invigorate the Church. We will walk through the fire to be rid of our fear, worldliness, and compromise. The result will be a bold, unstoppable, humble, holy company who are living for eternal values rather than temporal pleasure.  A company that knows the victory of Rev 12:11 (they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death) 

 and the depths of fellowship with one another, and intimacy with Christ that comes out of Phil 3:10 (..the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings).
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2)  A year where the gospel will be fully unveiled. First to the Church, with the revelation of the cross and the power of the gospel to absolutely transform (and keep on transforming) hearts, lives and society pouring in and awakening the sleeping Bride. Secondly to the nation, as the Church awakens to this revelation, evangelism will erupt and extraordinary harvest begin, in fact we are beginning to see the initial signs of this already. This revelation will be as compelling and revolutionary as the Father’s heart revelation that came to the Church in the 90s.

3)  A year where the cross brings unity, but also division.  Deeper unity around the cross will transcend denominations, racial strife, cultural differences. Unity that goes beyond man centered unity to unity that’s truly Jesus centered. Maturing beyond doing stuff together, and being fellow-workers to the place of hearts and spirits are joined in holy koinonia and communion. Unity that’s abounding in deep love, being willing to serve and even suffer for one another. But at the same time, the Church will struggle with division as some will pull away in offense and confusion, rebuking the work of the cross, even teaching that we are not called to carry the cross.  Mt 16:22-24

4) A year where worship explodes. Songs steeped in the wonder of the cross and the greatness of the gospel of His kingdom, will lift high Jesus in new language and awe. A great awakening of sustained worship will result and the power of God will flow to heal, deliver, encounter, and save in the midst of the worship. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” Jn 12:32  
I don’t believe this renewed emphasis on the cross is an event that will be contained in 2016, but will begin in greater ways this year and continue on. Glorious days are before us, the praying Church has much to contend for!! ​