Have you ever prayed a Hail Mary prayer? You’ve prayed over and over for God to do something, but nothing’s changed. You’re down to your last shot (at least that’s how it feels). You’re ready to throw out the fleece, fight Goliath, part the sea, feed the multitudes, stop the storm, walk on water—whatever miracle you feel like you need.

I’ve always told my friends in an excited, anticipatory-type-way when they turned 33 they were entering their Jesus year. Most laugh it off or awkwardly avoid the comment. I throw on the end of the conversation, “But remember, He died that year.” Because although Jesus’ ministry accelerated in his 33rd year, it was also the year He fulfilled His calling in the most painful way—on a cross. Makes for a really happy birthday, doesn’t it?

We all like to think that we're right most of the time if not all the time. We're constantly operating out of our own "rightness."

But what if you're wrong?

A Holy Week reading.

Death only means life is coming.

There is hope in death.

A beginning coming from an ending.

((Ephesians 2:1-10))

I’ve been known for my stubbornness. Maybe you have a stubborn streak too. Maybe our stubbornness isn’t life-or-death-level serious, but sometimes I wonder if we are losing parts of our lives because of our stubbornness.

What are we missing out on, holding ourselves back from, or where are we fighting against what God wants?