Jesus gave His disciples two commnds: Deny yourself, and take up your cross daily. Without self-denial, we'll shun the cross every time.

Self-denial isn't easy. Maybe you've held a grudge for a long time. Perhaps the grudge is a result of something someone did, deliberately, to hurt you. Even though the person was wrong, you know God wants you to give up the grudge. That's the last thing you want to do. But God is calling you to do it. Will you obey?

Maybe you're in a relationship, or you're contemplating a relationship, that you know is wrong. You've been lonely, and you're scared to death of letting this person go. That person seems to meet all your needs, but you know, deep down, the relationship isn't right. You'd rather cut off your right arm than end this relationship. Even the thought of losing it hurts so much that it brings you to tears. It would be a "living death" to let it go. But you know God wants you to. Will you?

The heart of self-denial is trust. God knows what's best for us, and He leads us to the best places and the best relationships...as long as we let Him lead. This is the thought behind David's famous Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water....He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name."

God wants to take you to a good place, but the road may not always appear so friendly. In order for David to go to God's promised land, he had to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the path of self-denial. He had to say no to the shortcuts along the way that promised fulfillment but would never be able to really deliver.

Will you trust God to take you to this rich place, full of life and meaning and purpose and joy, even though you may not be able to see it right now? Will you let Him lead you through dark places, knowing that His pasture is just ahead, even if you're afraid you might die in the valley? Remember, God won't leave you. David said that God was with him every step of the way, "I will not be afraid, because you are with me."

- Michael W Smith - "This Is Your Time"
From The Answer Copyright & copy; 2003 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.