The Quiet Place

What does it mean to "take up your cross"? Well, I'm finding that taking up my cross means completely submitting to God. It means letting him cut all the things off of me that need to go. It also means obeying what God has asked of me and letting things go when He says "no, my daughter, this isn't for you". Each of these things are challenging in their own way. That last one though, that has been the hardest for me. Yet, in all of the pruning, the pulling out and cutting off; I am still grateful, and I am still blessed. I'm still grateful because I know that God disciplines those he loves, I know that when he disciplines me it's because I'm HIS daughter. I'm grateful because I know that the pain of the pruning leads to an abundant life. It leads to a better Hillary, a better follower of Christ, and a better kingdom builder. It brings God more Glory, and it fills me overflowing with His spirit of peace and joy.  Taking up my cross...

Trust. Trusting God. It's the easiest AND hardest thing to do. The easiest because I know of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises. I'm sure of what I hope for, and certain of what I do not yet see. It's the HARDEST thing for me to do because like many humans, I like to be in control of my circumstances and do anything in my power to shape them the way I want them to go. This in itself neither good nor bad, but when presented with a situation where I need to trust God, I have to keep myself in check. I have to ask myself, "Are you trusting God, or are you trying to control the situation?". It's easy to drive myself crazy analyzing what has occurred, trying to diagnose it like a mysterious disease. So, I can't go there. I have to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. I do this by keeping my mind stayed on his Word; reminding myself that His plans for me are good, that he can bring good out of all things, and that God works for the good of those who love him...