"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.'" -- Matthew 16:24-25

I wonder what went through the disciples minds when they heard Jesus say this.  It came right after Jesus explained to them that he would have to suffer at the hands of the religious elite. Peter wouldn't hear of it. How can it be that the Messiah would have to suffer?  It made no sense.  Today, we hear this notion of picking up our cross, and it's hard to connect. What does it mean to take up one's cross?  What do you mean I have to lose my life to find it?  The takeaway here is that as long as we're living strictly for ourselves, we will miss out on the opportunity to really experience the life God desires for us.  We miss the opportunity to live out of a sense of calling and purpose.  But when we live for God and give our lives to following his will, we find that life can have color and meaning and tremendous value-- even if we have to suffer in the midst of it.  The fear of suffering can be paralyzing and can prevent us from stepping out.  When we suffer, it's no fun, but we don't fear it anymore, and we can actually move through it.  How is fear of losing something keeping you from living the life you feel God is calling you to live?

Readings:  Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10; Matthew 16:13-17:9; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 5:1-6