These are powerful words that call for a response, even though they ask no question. We cannot read these verses without realizing the cost of following Christ and facing in ourselves what answer we might give. This is a statement of fact - one not based on circumstances that might change its truth. Cross bearing is costly and nowhere are we told to put it down.
Its weight may vary at times. He told us that trials will come and our faith will be tested - sometimes to the extreme, but always with the purpose of drawing us back to Him for renewed strength. God will never ask us to do anything beyond our abilities. He will enable us to do whatever He calls us to do.
James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
The greater the cost, the greater the reward to be gained.
Matthew 16:26-27 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.
Your Father is watching. The world watches, too. Pick up your cross, be steadfast, and press on.
