Become a Cross Carrier

Following Jesus is not a journey for the faint of heart. It’s an invitation to a life of purpose, hope, and love—but also one of sacrifice, endurance, and unwavering faith. When Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24), He was not offering an easy path. He was calling us into a transformative journey that often comes with a cost.

The cross represents more than a symbol of salvation; it is a daily challenge. It calls us to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and comforts in order to walk the path that God has laid before us. This is not always a visible burden; sometimes it is deeply personal. It might mean letting go of a relationship that leads us away from Christ, saying no to unethical opportunities, or choosing forgiveness when bitterness seems justified. These choices can be painful, isolating, and misunderstood by those around us.

Yet, this sacrifice is not without reward. Carrying your cross aligns your life with God’s greater purpose. It builds character, strengthens faith, and deepens your relationship with the Creator. In those moments of difficulty, when your cross feels too heavy to bear, God’s grace will sustain you. He reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Carrying your cross may also mean standing firm in your beliefs in a world that often opposes them. It’s choosing to live out your faith boldly when it would be easier to remain silent. It’s stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others, even when you feel unequipped or unworthy. The cost is real, but so is the impact. Through your obedience, others see the love of Christ in action. Your faithfulness becomes a testimony that can inspire and transform lives.

The cost of carrying your cross will look different for everyone. For some, it may mean financial sacrifices to support ministry or missions. For others, it’s the emotional toll of standing firm in a family or community that doesn’t understand your faith. No matter the specifics, the essence is the same: a life surrendered to God’s will.

Jesus carried the ultimate cross for us, laying down His life so that we might have eternal life. Our crosses are but a shadow of the weight He bore. And yet, in bearing them, we are drawn closer to Him. We share in His suffering and His glory. As Paul wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

So, when the cost feels high, remember the promise. Every step you take in obedience brings you closer to the heart of God. Every sacrifice becomes an offering of worship. And every cross you bear is a testament to the hope and joy that is found in following Jesus.