Bible Passage
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Truth to Remember
Jesus is our example of surrendering to God’s will, helping us to understand what it means to follow Him.
Devotional Reflection
Jesus was teaching His disciples that following Him would require surrender. It meant being willing to set aside their own desires, plans, and ideas when they conflicted with God’s will, and remaining faithful even when it became difficult or costly. Jesus Himself demonstrated this. He knew the purpose for which the Father had sent Him and surrendered His own will, continuing even when it led to suffering and the cross. He showed His disciples what it means to put God’s will above their own.
As I reflect on Jesus’ words, I am reminded that following Him means submitting my life to God’s will. I can lose sight of this when my own desires and plans become more important to me than His purposes for my life. I have learned that being in God’s will, even when it involves sacrifice and suffering, is better than pursuing my own way. There is peace in knowing that I am where He wants me to be.
Application: Walking in Jesus’ Example
Take time to reflect on Jesus’ words in this verse. Consider your desires, plans, and decisions, and ask God to show you where you may be putting your own will before His. Be willing to let go of what He is asking you to surrender.
Prayer
Father God, keep my focus on You and remind me that following You means surrendering my will to Yours. Let me recognize when my desires, plans, or expectations are taking me away from Your will, and redirect me to Your way. When You ask me to surrender something, give me the willingness to let it go. When following You is difficult or costly, help me to remain faithful and trust Your direction. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Claiming God’s Promise
I will follow Jesus, trusting God to help me surrender my will to His.
Image credit: Pexels | Scripture quotations used with permission – See details
Leave a comment