Scripture For Today
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” - Matthew 16:24 NIV
Following Jesus has never been about comfort or convenience. It has always been about surrender. In a world that teaches us to pursue success, wealth, and recognition, the call of Jesus often feels opposite to what we expect. He calls us to lay down our desires, our control, and our need to be first, and instead to trust Him fully with our lives.
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, they had no idea what was coming. They did not yet understand the weight of the cross or the depth of His sacrifice. Yet His words were an invitation to something greater than comfort. His words were a call to transformation.
To deny yourself does not mean to reject your worth or identity. It means letting go of the parts of you that resist God’s will. It means surrendering pride, fear, and the constant striving for control. Taking up your cross is not about punishment; it is about purpose. The cross represents obedience, humility, and love that endures even through suffering.
When you choose to follow Jesus, you are choosing a path of faith over fear, purpose over pride, and eternal impact over temporary gain. Every step along this path is a reminder that your life belongs to something greater than your own ambitions.
The beauty of surrender is that it leads to freedom. The more you release control, the more you experience peace. The more you trust Jesus, the more clearly you see His hand guiding your steps. It is in the letting go that you discover what it truly means to live.
The cross you carry may look different from someone else’s. It could be a season of waiting, a difficult relationship, or a dream that requires patience and faith. Whatever it is, Jesus walks with you. He does not ask you to bear it alone. His Spirit strengthens you to carry what you could not carry on your own.
When you deny yourself and take up your cross, you begin to live as Jesus lived: with compassion, courage, and a heart aligned with the Father’s will. The journey of discipleship is not easy, but it is rich with meaning. Every moment of surrender draws you closer to the heart of God, where true joy and purpose are found.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1: Practice Daily Surrender
Begin each day by giving your plans and desires to God. Pray, “Lord, let Your will be done, not mine.” Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present our requests to God and trust Him with the outcome. When you release your grip on control, you make room for His peace to lead the way.
2: Choose Obedience Over Comfort
Sometimes God’s instructions challenge your comfort zone. Whether it is forgiving someone who hurt you, giving generously, or stepping out in faith, obedience is often uncomfortable. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Each act of obedience deepens your faith and aligns your heart with His will.
3: Reflect Christ in Your Response
Carrying your cross means responding to life’s trials with grace and faith. When difficulties come, ask yourself how Jesus would respond. Romans 12:12 encourages believers to “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Let your response to challenges be a reflection of His light in you.
Closing Encouragement
The invitation to follow Jesus is not an invitation to an easy life, but to a meaningful one. Every act of surrender draws you nearer to the One who gave everything for you.
The path may be narrow, but it leads to life. The cross may feel heavy, but you do not carry it alone. Jesus walks beside you, strengthening your spirit, guiding your heart, and reminding you that His way is the way of peace.
Today, take a deep breath and release what you cannot control. Choose to follow Jesus, not because it is easy, but because it is eternal. In your surrender, you will find strength. In your obedience, you will find joy. And in your cross-carrying, you will find the presence of the One who carried it first.