Why won’t turning over a new leaf bring new life?
Why must I live in resurrection life, life that has passed through death?
Lord, You set the conditions of discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Is this my cross to carry?
Is this heart-wrenching experience the thorn in my flesh that will not be removed?
Is this a time when Your grace must be sufficient in my life?
The cross isn’t the harmless glittering decoration we have made it out to be.
It wounds; it destroys.
And yet it also brings life.
Lord, You know this, and You call us to die on it that we might live in You forever.
The cross is not for cowards.
Because you can’t pretend to love unless you live a lie.
You can’t pretend that loving people will never hurt.
It hurts deeply.
Oh Lord, I am nothing without You.
I need to drink from Your living waters.
I want to hear, “Well done, My good and faithful servant!”
And I know I must feel the weight of the beam before I feel the joy of Your words.
I must wear a crown of thorns before I wear a crown of glory.
Lord, I long to love You that much.
Help me to love You enough to die to myself.