Jesus asks us to daily take up our cross and follow him. Maybe to understand this cross should not be understood as a burden, but as a mission. The cross is not a problem but a purpose.
As we continue to look at the book "Happy Lies" I discuss the idea that I want Jesus to save me from myself, not to affirm me. It makes a lot of difference as to how we listen to him.
Let's take a break from the review of "Happy Lies" and look at the other side. There are those who have not had success in life and they do need to hear a message that life can be more than what they currently have. I'll get back to reviewing the book next week, but want to pause for a side commentary.
Do you want to get well? This is a question asked by Jesus a long time ago and we need to be asking ourselves. Our first response might be, "Yes, of course." But do we really. Many do not want to get well. Why?
If we ask and God does not do what we ask is that a lack of faith on our part? If we just had more faith would God give us what we want? Maybe not. It is likely something else. Let's explore.
In John 4 there is the story of the official whose son was near death. Jesus spoke the word and the son lived. However, the man had to wait the night to gete the news that his son was well. How hard is it when Jesus makes a promise but we have to wait for it to be experienced? Sometimes it can be a day and sometimes it can be years. Jesus can still be believed.