Wednesday, August 13, 2025
“The Cross Changes Everything”
Scripture: Philippians 3:10–11 (NLT) – “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
The Cross Is Not a Symbol — It’s a Surrender
We’ve grown used to seeing crosses everywhere — on necklaces, on church walls, even in home décor. But for the early followers of Jesus, the cross wasn’t something pretty to look at — it was a death sentence. It meant shame, pain, and the complete end of the person who carried it.
When Paul wrote, “I want to suffer with Him,” he wasn’t being poetic. He understood that the cross strips you of everything the old you depended on — your pride, your excuses, your coping mechanisms, your secret sins. It’s not a prop you pick up for appearance; it’s a place you climb onto willingly, saying, “Lord, crucify anything in me that doesn’t look like You.”
What Does “Your Cross” Really Mean?
For the women of Encouraging Her Resilience, your cross is not just the weight of your past mistakes or the consequences you face — it’s the daily choice to die to the self that addiction, abuse, shame, or fear built. It’s surrendering that voice that says, “I can’t do this,” and letting the Spirit say, “Through Christ, you can.”
Your cross might be…
- The decision to forgive someone who never apologized.
- The courage to walk away from a relationship that’s pulling you back into bondage.
- The discipline to show up for your healing even when it hurts.
And here’s the truth: this isn’t a one-time fix. Jesus said “daily.” The moment you think you’ve nailed that old self for good, she starts breathing again. Carrying your cross is an intentional, relentless act.
The Purpose of the Cross in Your Life
Jesus’ cross carried the punishment for your sin. Your cross carries the evidence of your obedience. His cross opened the way to salvation; your cross keeps you walking that way until the end.
The purpose is simple but costly:
- To Keep You Dependent – Without the cross, you’d drift into self-reliance.
- To Keep You Pure – Crucifying your flesh daily kills off what could contaminate your walk.
- To Keep You Aligned – The cross always points you in the direction of resurrection life.
Applying This Today
- Identify the Self You Need to Crucify – Be honest: what part of you is still trying to sit on the throne of your life?
- Lay It Down Again – Don’t just remember yesterday’s surrender. Choose it again today.
- Walk Like the Old You Is Dead – Make decisions today as if the woman you used to be no longer exists — because in Christ, she doesn’t.
Journal Prompt
- If the cross is the cost of following Jesus, what am I still trying to keep for myself?
- How would my faith look if I truly picked it up every single morning?
Affirmation
“I will not put down my cross. I die to self so I can live fully in Christ’s resurrection power.”
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for carrying the cross that I could never bear. Today, I pick up mine. Kill every desire in me that competes with You. Crush the pride, the fear, the self-reliance. Let me experience not just Your death but also the power of Your resurrection in every area of my life. I carry my cross with gratitude, knowing it leads me to You. Amen.
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