Take up your cross

The old saying says, "You want to hear GOD laugh? Tell Him your plans." There is no doubt that I have had plans that I thought were good plans, but they were not GOD'S plan, which is the best plan.

Some people won't give up their plan for anything. I have seen marriages fail because one spouse has decided that they were going to do things their way regardless. I have seen jobs lost because someone decides that they will do things their way and not worry about the good of the company. I have seen a lot of personal plans go down in flames because they were driven by selfishness and not with a servant's heart.

Today's word is Luke 9:23, NIV, which reads, "Then He said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their crosses daily and follow me."

Many people interpret this verse to mean that GOD has something really difficult to do such as continuing in a horrible job, just to prove our devotion to Him. That is not what this verse is referring to. What is meant by taking up our crosses daily and following JESUS is simply to give up our selfish will for His will. We must deny our own selfish nature and take up GOD'S plan for our lives.

People will fight GOD'S plan and then curse Him that He isn't working in their lives. They will continue to try to do things their way and, then, accuse GOD of not caring for them. The fact is that GOD has a perfect plan, and if we will just give up our own selfish plan, we will find peace in His. You want true peace and contentment in your life? Give up your selfish plan and trust GOD to lead you in His. You will never find your true calling, your true worth, your true meaning until you take up your cross.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T