I remember being a kid, standing face to face with someone who doubted my words.
“I promise,” I’d say—then pause, knowing that wasn’t enough.
So I’d add the big one:
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
I’d draw an invisible cross over my chest, believing that if I did that, my words would finally carry weight. Back then, I didn’t know why crossing my heart felt so serious. I just knew it meant, “You can trust me.”
Years later, I realized why that gesture mattered.
Because the cross was never just a symbol—it was a promise.
Jesus didn’t draw an invisible cross over His heart.
He carried a real one on His back.
And on that cross, His heart was opened so ours could finally be free.
When I think about the words “hope to die,” I see them differently now. Jesus didn’t hope for death—He stepped into it willingly. He knew that His death would open the door for us to truly live. Not just someday in heaven, but right now—in relationship with God the Father.
The cross is God’s way of saying, “You can trust Me.”
It’s where love proved itself.
It’s where forgiveness became possible.
It’s where we were given the freedom to ask Jesus into our hearts before we ever face death.
And when we do, everything changes.
We’re no longer separated.
We’re no longer guessing if we’re good enough.
We become sons and daughters—walking with God now, and promised eternity with Him because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
That childhood promise eventually lost its power.
But the promise of Jesus never will.
He crossed heaven to reach us.
He crossed death so we wouldn’t have to fear it.
And He still invites us—right where we are—into a real, living relationship that lasts forever.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.” — Revelation 3:20
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve never asked Jesus into your heart—or if it’s been a long time and you feel the pull to come back—know this: He isn’t asking for perfection. He’s simply asking for your yes.
You don’t need the right words. You don’t need to clean yourself up first. If you want, you can whisper something as simple as:
“Jesus, I trust You. Come into my heart. I want to know You.”
He promises to meet you there.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for proving Your love in a way I could never doubt. I invite You into my heart today. Help me walk in freedom, in relationship with You, and in the hope of eternity with the Father—because of You. Amen.
