Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

Taking up your cross sounds painful. Matthew 10:38-39

But Jesus said,

"My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

What's that mean?

Someone said we exchange our burden for His.

That's what makes it easy.

Someone else said He's the one doing the carrying...

that's what makes it easy.

Actually He carries our burden by carrying us.

So we might still have a burden, but it's light because we have divine help.

"James 1:3 says, 'the testing of your faith develops perseverance'.

Trials, i.e. burdens, sometimes serve no other purpose than to make us tougher.

Every day you carry that burden, you’re a little bit stronger than you were the day before.

On the surface, it seems sadistic,

but in reality it’s the best spiritual fitness regiment you’ll ever be on."

So, where's the sacrifice, the taking up of the cross?

It's certainly talking about more than salvation here.

The fact we are eternal beings helps answer the apparent contradiction

between taking up the cross, our cross, and having a light burden thanks to Jesus.

Whatever we have to give up is nothing in comparison to eternity with God.

The fact that He's in control helps too.

Ultimately we come to the realization that...

His plan is always better than ours.

And really whatever we have to give up doesn't come close to His sacrifice for us.

Interestingly, Luke adds "take up your cross daily". Luke 9:23

From the prayer room...

We can't force people to follow Christ.

But...we can certainly storm heaven for them.

Believing for a breakthrough.

He doesn't force people either.

He draws.

Draw me, Lord.

And draw the lost.

I said in prayer, "I'm doing the best I can here!"

Crying out to You.

For a move of Your Spirit.

"Could you not pray one hour?" He said.

So, I pray more.

Lord, You can show us what to do.

What needs to be done.

Trust You.

Obey You.

Teach us not only HOW to pray,

but also TO pray and WHAT to pray.