Ready:
"Then he said to them all, ' If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.'" - Luke 9:23
Set
NEVER will I forget the time I had to quit the varsity basketball team in high school. During my junior year, I was failing two classes, and our team schedule was not good for someone who was struggling with grades. So, I had a tear-filled meeting with the coach and left my spot behind. I was heartbroken but knew that I had to focus on what was more important.
Doing what I needed required me to set my own ambitions aside and do something very hard. If we want to truly follow the Lord with our lives, we must do that very thing. Luke 9 says we need to give up our way or our plans and take up what He has given us to do. Also, He says to do it every day. But here is the best part of this verse. The phrase “follow Me” in the Greek means “accompany one on a path or road.” He’s not pointing you the right way. He wants to go with you. Following the direction of God in your life can be hard, but always remember that He is with you each day as you go.
Go
Have you ever had to make a hard choice? What was it?
How did everything work out when you made that hard choice?
What does 100% surrender mean to you?
Workout
Overtime
Father, I know You want to work in and through my life. Help me to follow You each day, no matter how hard it is at the time. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.