Tag: follow Jesus

And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

Those are hard words.

When you read them, how did you feel?

Uneasy? Fearful?

Even as a long-time Christian, one of my first thoughts was, “These are hard words. Jesus is asking a lot.”

And when I think of what this might mean practically in my life, of what specifically Jesus might be asking of me, it gets even harder.

And so the question I had to ask myself this morning was, “What do I do with these feelings?”

What do I do?

Remember the truth.

What’s the truth?

My Abba is good and he deeply loves me.

Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.

But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

What is the truth?

If I take up my cross and follow Jesus, I don’t lose my life. I gain it.

Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

No, following Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s painful.

But because my Abba is good and he deeply loves me, because he is always faithful in keeping his promises, I have hope. And it is a certain hope.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)