Carrying Our Cross with God's Help

Life can be overwhelming. There are times when the weight of our responsibilities, struggles, and burdens feels too heavy to bear. It's during these moments that we can feel utterly alone, wondering if anyone truly understands the depth of our pain. But there is hope and encouragement found in the words of Jesus. Today, let’s look at Matthew 16:24 (NLT), where Jesus shares a powerful truth with His disciples:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.'" Matthew 16:24 (NLT)

These words might seem challenging at first. The idea of taking up a cross is not easy. It represents a burden, a challenge, and sometimes, even suffering. But there’s a beautiful truth in this message. Jesus is not calling us to bear our burdens alone. In fact, He shows us that it’s okay to seek help, to rely on others, and most importantly, to lean on God.

Understanding the Cross We Carry

When Jesus speaks of taking up our cross, He’s not just talking about enduring hardship. He’s talking about a deeper commitment to follow Him, even when the path is difficult. It’s about choosing God’s way over our own, letting go of our desires and trusting in His plan.

But here’s something we need to remember: Even Jesus needed help carrying His cross. In His moment of greatest need, when He was exhausted and worn out, God provided Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross to Calvary. This wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a demonstration of God’s provision and love.

Often, we think we must carry our burdens alone. Society teaches us to be strong, to handle things on our own. But the truth is, God never intended for us to go through life’s challenges by ourselves. He understands our limits better than we do. That’s why He sends help, whether it comes in the form of a friend, a family member, or even a stranger.

At All Nations Community Church, we believe in the power of community. When one of us is struggling, we all gather around to provide support and encouragement. Just as Simon helped Jesus, we are called to help each other. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are not alone. God has placed us in a community to support one another.

One of the most comforting truths is knowing that God knows our limits. He is aware of how much we can handle and provides the strength we need to keep going.

The Bible says in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

This verse reassures us that God is always ready to step in when we feel like we can’t go on.

There will be days when we feel overwhelmed, and that’s okay. It’s alright to admit that we’re struggling. It’s okay to cry out for help. When we do, we open ourselves up to God’s grace and mercy. He is always there, ready to provide the strength we need.

Following Jesus doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties. In fact, He promises that we will face challenges. But He also promises to be with us every step of the way. Jesus understands our struggles because He experienced them too. He faced exhaustion, pain, and even betrayal. He knows what it’s like to carry a heavy burden.

When we feel like giving up, we can turn to Jesus. We can ask Him for the strength to keep going.

Philippians 4:13 tells us, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

This doesn’t mean we won’t face tough times. It means that with Christ, we can overcome any obstacle.

It’s easy to think that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but it’s actually a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that we need help. When we reach out, we are acknowledging that we can’t do it alone. And that’s okay! Even Jesus needed Simon’s help. By asking for help, we allow others to bless us and we give God an opportunity to work through them.

Jesus invites us to find rest in Him.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT), He says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

These words are a balm to our weary souls. They remind us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Jesus is right there, ready to share the load. He offers us a lighter burden, one filled with His love, grace, and peace.

Life doesn’t always go as we plan. There will be unexpected challenges and difficulties. But we can find peace in knowing that God is in control. He has a purpose for everything we go through. When we choose to accept God’s plan, we are saying, “God, I trust You. I know You have a plan, even if I don’t understand it right now.”

Remember, God is our strength. He is our help. And He is always with us. So, when life feels overwhelming, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are not alone. God is with you, and He will provide the strength you need.

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for understanding our struggles and always being there to help us. Give us the courage to ask for help and the strength to keep going. We trust You, Lord, and we know that with You, all things are possible. Help us to rely on You, to seek Your strength, and to find rest in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.