Week 23: The Cross

• Key verses: Matthew 16:24-25; Galatians 2:20
• Not my cross
• Parting thoughts

Key verses

Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 

Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Not my cross

I have heard Christians throughout my life talk about their sickness or their misfortune as their cross to bear. I know some think ALS is my cross to bear. I call B.S.

When Jesus calls us to take up our crosses, he is asking us to deny our self and follow him. He is not sending us crosses to bear.

We are not promised a life without sickness or misfortune. God is good, but the world is not. It is full of sin and sickness. We live in this world. Only when we leave this world will we be freed from it and its woes.

What does that mean for me? Great question. Should I be angry at God? Did I do something to deserve this? No is the answer to both of these questions. God has promised me strength and grace. Think about that. No matter what this world throws at me, I can endure. God has a plan for me with ALS. I may not know the details in this life, but I have a glorious eternity in my future to look forward to.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Parting thoughts

Paul said Jesus gives him strength to do everything. This is in reference to his fluctuating financial situation. Whether he needed help or had need of nothing, he could do everything through Christ. Me? Whether I am sick or healthy, I can do everything through Jesus, who gives me strength.