Carry

Life can get rough.  I get tired, I struggle, I have problems, I get busy, I don’t have time to do everything…I, I, I, I….  Too many times I get in a place where all I see is me.  For instance, right now, I have been given a new position at work and am currently in training.  Being tired and consumed with this new job, I have moments where I find myself only concerned about me…my issues…what I want and not concerned with praying, reading my bible, or serving others.  It is awful how I turn to wallowing when I get tired, hurt, or busy.  No matter what happens in this life, good or bad –  I need to remember one thing…I must continue to carry my cross.

When you look at the story of the crucifixion – you see how Christ could have easily backed off, became selfish for a moment, and walked away from the opportunity to save the world, but he didn’t.  Instead, he decided to do what he knew he needed to do, even though it cost him his life.  I am so very thankful for what his sacrifice did for this world and for mankind.  It also gives me conviction to do what I know I need to do rather than just what I feel like doing.  If Christ can hang on a cross for me, can’t I get up and serve in my church on a Sunday when I don’t really feel like it?  Or go feed the homeless despite being exhausted from life?  Or smile at someone despite me having a bad day?

Luke 14:25-27 says “Many people followed Jesus. Then He turned around and said to them,  “If any man comes to Me and does not have much more love for Me than for his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be My follower.  If he does not carry his cross and follow Me, he cannot be My follower. “

To love God more than I love myself, to put Him first even before my own family, to die to self daily is what I must do to be His.  There are days that my entire being cringes at the thought that I must serve.  I have had moments that I so did not want to do anything…at all.  I wanted to lay in bed and not move.  But then He reminds me of what He has done for me.  So I reluctantly pick up my cross and follow Him.

I encourage you, when you have those days that you have to fight to get out of bed, do it anyway.  Carrying the cross is hard, but being His makes it all worth it.  He’s got you, he loves you, he sees you, and he won’t abandon you.  Keep going and don’t give up.

Pray this with me: Lord, I am sorry for all the times that I complained about things not being all about me.  Thank you for your sacrifice that set me free.  If I must carry my cross the rest of my life, I will do that because I know that there is nothing greater than being yours.  Thank you for loving me, even when I was my most selfish.  Help me be all that you want me to be and live my life for you.  I love you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Be blessed everyone.