“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.” ~ Galatians 2:19-20, MSG
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” ~ Matthew 16:24, NLT
What is it Like to Pick Up Our Cross?
Lord, without a doubt You are faithful, You are trustworthy and You are good. You call us to trust You as we pick up our cross and follow You.
But it’s heavy, Lord. So heavy.
I can’t do this in my own strength. Please come alongside me and lend me Your hand, Your grace, Your reassurance. Your yoke is easy and Your burden light. I know this, yet I stumble at times.
Help me rest in that knowledge.
Help us, Your children!
Help us turn our eyes on You and keep them there. When we focus on You, our purpose is clear, our direction is sure. When we focus on You, we can pick up our cross and it lightens and we no longer feel weary.
Thank You for Your long-suffering. Help us remember that Your perspective is through eternity’s lens. Here on earth our burdens seem to last forever. But from the place of eternity they are but a blink of the eye.
Is that how You carried Your cross, Lord? You focused on the eternal purpose rather than the pain?
I know You wanted to lay it down, to avoid the cup Your Father handed You.
But then You chose obedience.
Because of love.
And You picked up Your cross and carried it all the way to Calvary for us because You trusted Your Father.
When we choose to pick up our cross and follow You, it is because of love too. And trust.
Keep Your Face Ever Before Us, Lord as We Follow You
Keep Your face ever before us, Lord — Your eyes — as Your love guides us and You lead us into paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake.
Hear our cry, Lord because we said yes and picked up our cross.
No turning back.
In Jesus’s Name I pray,
Amen
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
