"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross
daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NIV
Denying oneself is probably one of the hardest things to do. You are to give God all that you are, that includes your flaws as well. Sometimes it is very easy to be self critical about how you look on the outside, but God looks at your heart. God told Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7 NIV God wants you to give Him your whole heart. It is then that God can use you in ways that you can’t even imagine. The Lord has a special plan for your life, but you must totally deny yourself in order to find out what that plan is. The cross you have to bear will be lighter knowing that the Lord is with you to help you bear it. May you realize the wonderful potential that lies within you that can be used in remarkable ways if you just deny yourself and follow Christ.
Dear Lord,
Help me to consider how my heart measures up to your inspection. Help me to deny myself and take up my cross willingly knowing that in the end you will be meeting me with open arms saying, "Well, done my faithful servant."
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Read more articles by Ann Elaine Broughton or search for articles on the same topic or others.
