Take up your cross, follow Jesus – Prayer for August 19. Praise the Lord everybody! From time to time almost every Christian believer has found himself questioning God about another believer’s relationship with God. Is it out of concern or jealousy that we ask?
Bible Verse for Today
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:20-22)
Here is Peter, having just been challenged by Jesus to “feed my sheep” and already he has lost focus, now he wants to know about what Jesus has in store for him.
Therefore, Paul tells us in Philippians chapter two that we need to “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” As believers, we need to stop wondering how, why, or what God is doing for another brother or sister in Christ and stay focused on the path He has laid out for us.
Why did Peter ask about his fellow disciple? Was it out of concern for his brother? Or was it jealousy and gossip material? Jesus, who as God, is able to discern the intentions of the heart of men, appeared to rebuke Peter by basically telling him to mind his own business, and take up his own cross and follow Him.
There is nothing wrong with true concern for another brother or sister in Christ, that is why we need to pray and give to each other as needed and as we are able, but when it comes down to God’s business we need to stay out of it. Just take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Take up your Cross Prayer for Today
Father God, please help us to take our own crosses daily and follow you. Help us to be obedient to your word and work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Father, keep us away from all envy and strife. Remember always what’s for us is for us, and what you have for another is for another, and what is your business is not our business. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Also read: SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS Prayer for August 18
