Pick Up Your Cross
The time had come for the disciples to go out on their own to proclaim the good news and heal people everywhere. Jesus gave them power and authority to equip them for this mission. God has done the same for us. He has anointed you for the journey ahead, but it won't be easy. There was a time when the disciples weren't able to heal a boy. (Luke 9:40) The disciples began to question God asking, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:28-29) There will be times in your walk where different situations require different levels of anointing. There will be some problems that only God can fix. It doesn't mean you aren't strong enough, it just means God is the only one who can do it. I find so much peace in knowing that when I can't figure it out, God has all the answers. I am humble enough to go to him when I know the problem is too big for me because nothing is too big for Him.
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When the disciples returned to Jesus they were followed by a large crowd, even though Jesus and his disciples were trying to keep their whereabouts private the people still found them. However, Jesus did not turn then away. He welcomed them, spoke to them, and healed many. This is evidence that God will never leave or forsake us. The disciples however, were wanting to send them away because they knew they didn't have enough food for 5,000 men, (Luke 9:12) but Jesus ordered the disciples to feed them anyway. The disciples looked at what they had and though it was impossible to use five loaves of bread and two fish for 5,000 men. They couldn't see what Jesus saw. They said the math is not math-ing sir. Our math is not God's math, our portions is not God's portions, and our timing is not God's timing. When you know what God can do with "little" he will stretch the remains and produce more. When you use what "little" God has given you, and put it to work he will send an overflow in the middle of your drought. Stop focusing on what you don't have and use what God has given you. (Luke 12:48)
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It is at this point in, Luke 9, we see a shift in the way Jesus taught the disciples. He began to be more clear and specific about what to expect from the kingdom so they wouldn't be surprised. (Luke 9:18-36) The disciples begin to experience a deeper relation with Jesus, he allowed them to see more and know more about what was to come. When you actually take the time to build a solid relationship with God, the results will show. When you spend more time in his word and walk with him like the disciples did, God will show himself to you. If you desire to know God more, he is available. Put the work in to build a deeper relationship with God.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST JOURNAL
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Jesus let the disciples know that it was all or nothing. (Luke 9:23-24) He later teaches this on his way to Jerusalem. Three different men stopped him saying they wanted to follow him, but then said they had something else to do first. (Luke 9:61) Jesus replied to the last man and said, "No one who puts a hand on the plow and look back is fit for service in the Kingdom of God." Jesus wanted total dedication not one foot in and one foot out. Just like he told the disciples to pick up their cross and follow him, he wants us to do the same. We can't pick and choose when we want to serve God. We can't only pray when we need something. We can't be for God this month and fall off the next. This isn't my way of saying you have to be perfect, no. What i'm saying is we have to make up in our minds that no matter what, we will follow him, and when satan tries to detour us we will not let him win. Focus on Jesus and let nothing distract you.