If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34
"The cross that my Lord calls me to carry may assume many different shapes. I may have to be content with mundane tasks in a limited area of service, when I may believe my abilities are suited for much greater work. I may be required to continually cultivate the same field year after year, even though it yields no harvest whatsoever. I may be asked of God to nurture kind and loving thoughts about the very person who has wronged me and to speak gently to him, take his side when others oppose him, and bestow sympathy and comfort to him. I may have to openly testify of my Master before those who do not want to be reminded of Him or His claims. And I may be called to walk through this world with a bright, smiling face while my heart is breaking.
Yes, there are many crosses, and every one of them is heavy and painful. And it is unlikely that I would seek out even one of them on my own. Yet Jesus is never as near to me as when I lift my cross, lay it sumbmissively on my shoulder, and welcome it with a patient and uncomplaining spirit.
He draws close to me in order to mature my wisdom, deepen my peace, increase my courage, and supplement my power. All this He dos so that through the very experience that is so painful and distressing to me, I will be of greater use to others."
~Streams in the Desert
God, I'm sorry that I have an impatient and complaining spirit. I once again humbly submit to your plans for my life knowing that You are in control of everything that is happening to me. You are more than able to handle anything that comes my way. There is no one else who could do a better job of orchestrating my life; I certainly could not. You hold the stars in place. You are concerned with the sparrows. You are taking care of me.
1 comment:
Hey, I wanted to thank you all for praying for my sister. So often I just wish I could step in and make things perfect and happy for her, but I realize that I can't give her a nice house or great job or beautiful sunset to ride off into. All I can do is pray for God to give her grace and strength in the midst of this trial so she can become the beautiful person He's creating. I think it's *awesome* that she has friends who are willing to pray for her, too, and take time to encourage her and let her know that they care. I know she appreciates it!
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