Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:1-2
Some people think the will of God is always hard, but that’s not true. The will of God is good, satisfying, and perfect. We find great fulfillment and joy in doing the will of God. On the other hand, there are times when we must say no to the desires of our flesh, times when our own carnal passions conflict with the will of God. At such times we must deny ourselves, and yes, that is difficult. That is what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NAS). If we want to be co-laborers with Jesus, fulfilling His purposes in the earth, we must step out of the comfort zone and move into the life of faith where our only source is the invisible God and the integrity of His Word.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
I no longer want to dwell in comfort, Lord, if comfort means I have failed to deny Your cross daily and to follow You. Your purposes are what I crave to fulfill, and I commit to living the life of faith in utter trust in You.
Christ said we cannot be His disciples
if we do not pick up our cross and follow Him.
