Can we really go that far?
Can we really say God wants what’s best for us? All the time? In every circumstance?
Many of his words are positive and reassuring. Full of tender love and care.
The Father delights to give good gifts to his children, right?
But when Jesus says, “Deny yourself,” things seem to take a turn.
Take up your cross.
Be willing and ready to lose your life.
Those words aren’t so positive. They sound like “sacrifice” instead of “good gifts.”
Like we’re to exchange that which is gracious and pleasing for something disappointing and painful.
Could it be that Jesus wants us to give up what’s best for something less?
It may seem that way at times. Until we consider the alternative.
See, if we validate ourselves and reject the cross, we may save our lives.
But that’s exactly how we’ll lose them.
And Jesus knows you can have this whole world – and have nothing.
It brings no profit, and it destroys many a priceless soul.
Jesus doesn’t want us to lose our lives, so in a strange and beautiful irony, he calls for us to lose our lives.
Jesus doesn’t want us to forfeit our souls, so he spells it out:
Deny yourself, take up your cross, and give up the whole world. Including your very life.
Not because he’s taking everything away. Not because he doesn’t love us.
And not because he doesn’t want what’s best for us.
Quite the contrary.
God always wants what’s best.
And these words only prove it:
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:34-36
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Journey of the Word 
I love this post! As you know, it’s a topic I think about a lot too. I’m definitely sharing this.
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Wonderful post. I love the irony that we lose our lives so that we gain all things in and through Christ. Beautiful to think on today!
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Thought provoking post Lydia! When we deny ourselves we usually end up seeing God’s plan manifest in our lives. So we are “giving up” something to “gain” something blessed by Almighty God. Sounds like an opportunity for growth. Thank you God for your patience. love, and grace!
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A hearty amen from me, and a timely word from you to me today, Lydia! Thanks!
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Something to keep in mind for sure. Thanks for sharing on #FridayFrivolity
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Our opinion of what is best may not agree with God’s plan. Learning to be content is the best solution, for when “things” are removed from our lives, it is time to rejoice and know that with God there is joy regardless.
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Oh yes, thank you for your thoughtful post shared with us here at Tell me a Story.
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Another great post, Lydia! Thanks for sharing at #LMMLinkup!
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Amazing post! God always wants whats best for us, but many times it is not in the way we think it should be. Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this post at Together on Tuesdays 🙂 I especially love the verse that you shared.
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