be strong

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NLT

Picking up the cross required Christ to be strong. He did not find His strength in Himself, or His friends, but in God alone.

When we consider how He agonised with His fleshly horror of the cross, and desire to not do what was required of Him, we know that in Him we have found a priest who totally understands. However, His example compels us to take up our own cross, be it rejection by  family, be it financial hardship or health struggles, our cross is unique to us.

Self-pity is the enemy we must overcome in our walk. Self-pity will rob us of what awaits on the other side of our cross. Glory and honour awaited Jesus, fellowship with the Father awaited us. He sacrificed for us. The sacrifices we make are for those who come behind. Amen!

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