Maybe we are way too comfortable

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
And take up his cross, and follow me."
Matthew 16:24

Perhaps we could compromise! Lord knows how difficult it is for me to step back and allow another to go before me. 
Since I was a small child I was taught to take the initiative, get things done myself, not wait for another to do what I'm capable of doing on my own. Surely I was designed to encourage and love people, that's my passion! Throughout my adult years I've come to learn that these characteristics draw people near to me. Once a friend comes into my life, they tend to follow my lead, seek my opinions & appreciate my advice. It brings me joy to have the opportunity to share my opinions and encourage someone, but most importantly, everything I say has come from the encouragement that God has so freely given to me! 

So how can I deny myself? I like where I am in my life. Besides, it is my life we're talking about. I thought i was doing enough for God's kingdom by sharing His truth with others?

Wow, something just came to my mind that is actually much deeper... Perhaps the bible verse above is saying something more. Just maybe Jesus is trying to teach us about how to access the FULL joy and glory that God has in store for His faithful children. If I will be more compliant and less stubborn, then bigger things (Godly things) can transpire. It's incredibly difficult to step outside of my comfort-zone. I wonder if the ones who take that leap are the ones that get to see God do the most extraordinary things! I want to be that person who is willing to surrender my selfish
desires and put all of my hope in Him. I want to see His glory! I want to take up my cross (which is whatever God's plan is for my life) and follow Jesus' lead until I reach my destination! 

I'm beginning to think that by following Jesus' lead, I will still be encouraging and loving others just the same, 
and learning new ways to serve others along the journey! It all sounds so right. My heart knows true happiness is
in Him alone, but my mind gets so distracted sometimes. Very much like the lyrics "The world will try to battle for my heart but the war is already won". My eternity is secure with Jesus, but during my stay here on earth, I go astray sometimes. Praise God for never letting me stray for long! He gently draws me back to His side, forgives me and
hopes that I will try harder next time:) His love is like nothing I've ever known before. Agape love:) 

Recently I wanted to know the meaning of my name. SO, after browsing the web I discovered that the meaning of my name  CHRISTINA  is  "Anointed Follower of Christ"  (I'm called Tina for short)  Maybe God's letting me know It's time to start getting prepared for the journey He has planned for me (I'd like to think He had a purpose for my existence planned out before the foundations of the world!) 

1 Corinthians 15: 10 
"For it is by the grace of God that I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me."

Thanks to all who took the time out to read my thoughts today!!