The Cross You Bear

There are times in the Christian's walk when the cross we bear for Christ seems too heavy a burden to carry, even though it is a burden that must be carried if one is to be a disciple. (Luke 14:27) (1 Cor 1:18)

While Christ has promised that the burden of the cross will be a gain to us, there are moments when we want to cry out to Jesus for the burden to be lessened in some way. (Matt 24:13-14)

May I offer some perspective on the burden you carry? There may be a purpose for the burden in the end...

I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire. 

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love. For if these things are really yours  and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. 

But concerning the one who lacks such things- he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins. 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin. For thus an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be richly provided for you. (2 Peter 1:3-11)

*I would love to give credit where credit is due. I do not know who put such effort into the graphics, but it was not me!!!