January 11, 2008

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, '...take up his cross...'." Matthew 16:24

Notice that Jesus did not say, "take up a cross" or "take up the cross", but "take up his cross"

The God of creation that delights in making every snowflake unique has created a distinct and totally "customized" cross for each of us. We each have one with our name on it.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

What a joy it is to discover your unique purpose. To think that of all the people who have ever walked on this planet, the Creator has a special purpose just for you...WOW! To know He values each of us individually is to truly understand who we are in Christ.

Sometimes it seems as if the cross we carry is burdensome, that the load is heavy, the road is long, and we get tired. That usually means that we've picked up someone else's cross. Hear the words of our Savior:

"Come to Me, all who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

If today your cross seems heavy, check the name on it...you've probably picked up someone else's cross. Ask the Lord today for rest for your soul, then take up your cross and follow Him. When you are carrying the cross He designed for you, joy and a true sense of fulfillment will lift your heart and the load will not seem burdensome.