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DON'T FORCE A CROSS ON YOURSELF

While talking about cross we ought not to mistaken the cross or the challenges that God intentionally appoints for us for our glorification to other sufferings which people sometimes endure that are not appointed by God for them to endure.

The concept of the cross is not just any challenge or seemingly painful situation that you endure, but the challenge that God Himself appoints for you to endure as part of His purpose for you, which is also ordained for your glory like that of Christ Jesus our Lord

But we know that not every challenge that people face are mere test or trials from the Lord. Some of the challenges are merely due to satanic attacks, sins, errors, wrong choices, stubbornness, rebellion, wickedness, bitterness, jealousy, pride, lack of spiritual discipline or self control and other vices that we get ourselves involved with.

Pains or sufferings due to any of these things that the Lord disapproves are not cross per se. Our Lord Jesus's own cross gives us a good understanding of what the cross is. He never sinned but endured the pains that the worst of sinners or criminals were to suffer, and it was something that the Father actually appointed for Him, which was ordained for His glory (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Thus, as children of God, we should endeavour to resist the devil as He tempts us through any of these means (James 4:7). And if you ever see yourself enduring any form of pain due to anything not approved by God, you turn unto the Lord through prayer, genuine repentance and intimacy with the Him, knowing that His grace and mercy still speaks for us even in the midst of our sins and errors. And the Lord will graciously deliver you out of that ordeal in Jesus name. Amen!

Prayer/Declaration
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the understanding that you have given me concerning the cross. I declare that I resist the devil and all his schemes and strategies against my life and obtain mercy for my shortfalls and find grace to help me in times of need in Jesus name. Amen!

Further Study: James 4:7; Hebrews 4:14-16
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 17, 18, 19; 1 Corinthians 13