Struggling?

Referenced scriptures: Luke 9:23, Philippians 1:6, Proverbs 24:16, Lamentations 3:22-23

"Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23 NLT)

God has so graciously revealed something to me that I'd like to share in hopes that it will encourage and help someone out there. The sin that we struggle with is just that sin; Jesus died for this sin as well as all others. For a moment think about this. Do you think having the sins of the world thrust upon him was an easy thing for Jesus? I don't think any of can say that it was an easy thing, even for Jesus. Yes, he was God in the flesh but I very much believe He still felt every strike to his face, every thorn, every nail, and yes, every sin! He struggled as He carried the cross just like we all have struggled attempting to carry our own crosses. God's word says to "take up your cross and follow me," it never says it would be easy or that we wouldn't struggle from time to time but it simply says to take it up and follow him DAILY. The word "daily" indicates that this is going to be a continual thing, ongoing, something that we will have to always intentionally work at. So if you have found yourself struggling to carry your own cross, just stay in your Word, stay plugged into church, surround yourself with strong Believers and trust that God is faithful to complete what He started in you (see Philippians 1:6).


Here are a couple of scriptures that have really help me push through and carry my own cross. 

"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again." - Proverbs 24:16a

"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23
 

Take Care & God Bless,

-E