My Own Way

Mark 8:34, "Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me'" (NLT).

This verse struck me the other day. My own way of what?

-My own way of loving others.

-My own way of coping with situations I face.

-My own way of coming up with goals and aspirations.

-My own way of resolving problems.

-My own way of proving my worth.

-My own way of protecting myself.

-My own way of thinking.

-My own way of speaking.

-My own way of doing (or not doing).

-My own way of perceiving.

This verse affects every area of our lives. When Jesus says we must give up our own way He means EVERYTHING in our lives that we try to go about with our own strength, our own motives, and our own understanding.

Though this may make us uncomfortable, the result is actually so freeing. Because when we give up our own way it means we're trusting in HIS.

And He is so much better at living this life than we are. He knows everything. He is in control. And He loves us more than we could ever begin to fathom. We can trust Him. And when we give up our own way and place our trust in Him He gives us His peace, and He leads us to places we never thought we could go, and He helps us walk in ways we never thought we could.

Proverbs 3:5-7, " Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil" (NLT).

Isaiah 55:8-9, "'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the LORD. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts'"(NLT).

Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (NLT).