Today while reading Experiencing GOD Day-by-Day, by Henry & Richard Blackaby, something hit me differently than ever before in this passage.
Matthew 16: 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “if anyone desires to come after ME, Let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow ME.”
So many have been fed a gospel that is comfortable, and requires no suffering, then when these things happen, they walk away from God. Sounding off about how HE did not fulfill HIS promises, and the Christian walk just doesn’t work. If you feel this way..you have been misled! This walk isn’t comfortable most of the time, and suffering is par for the course…really. Jesus suffered to bring us salvation, and we, too, will suffer as we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are not now nor will ever be greater than our master.
Still desire HIM? I hope you say yes. Although at times, we cry out with pain, we have a constant friend who is closer than a brother, the Holy Spirt. HE will guide us, comfort us, teach us, and intercede for us. The benefits of knowing Christ, and making HIM known are far greater than any suffering. Just look around you…this world is cursed, and its going to fall apart. You can’t stop it, you can try, but you can’t stop it. All the petitions and phone calls to your congressmen and senators is not going to change the course that God has already laid out. HIS plan does not have flaws.
The one who truly desires HIM, is carrying thier cross(what ever that may be), and believing that HE is worth it! I believe that HE is worth it.
Father God, please hear our cries for your mercy on us and the world around us. Please help us to walk in step with your Spirit, to deny ourself and pick up our cross. Life in this world is so temporal in comparison to an eternity with YOU. Yes, YOU are worth it. Help us to stand strong, help us to be lights to a dying world. Please unveil the eyes of the ones that are misled about you. Give them and us a hunger for your Word, and to believe with all our hearts its Truth. Your princess who believes you are worth it, and we just are not home yet.
ponderings of a princess... 