Today's Devotional

January 27, 2005

Subject:  The Cross Has Splinters

Matthew 16:24 - "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Not only was the crucifixion painful, but the road to Golgotha was long and Christ had to carry the cross up the hill.  

It's not just winning in a singular circumstance of life, it's about taking up our cross daily.  The more often we take up that cross, the more opportunities we have of getting splinters.  Splinters are simply a part of the cost of taking up our cross.  We take up our cross when we do what God called us to do.  We get splinters when the world reacts to our obedience to God.  It can be friends, strangers or enemies but our responsibility is to bear the cross.  He will be responsible for removing the splinters if that is necessary for His will to be accomplished.  Often it's not.

Don't worry.  Our splinters may cause a thorn in the flesh, but it will cause strength in the spirit.    

Carlen