TODAY’s SCRIPTURE : Matthew 16-18 Chapters
DEVOTION
Jesus’ words in Matthew 16:24–26 may seem harsh at first. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Yet, these words are not meant to deprive us of life, they point us toward the life we were truly created to live.
To follow Jesus is to surrender our will, our desires, our ambitions and our plans to Him. It means choosing His way over our own, even when it is uncomfortable or uncertain.
Jesus says that whoever loses their life for His sake will find it.
we find true life by surrendering to God’s ways.
Losing our life for Christ is not merely about eternity, it is also about how we live today. As we surrender to him , He transforms our hearts, redirects our desires,and teaches us to live according to His purpose. We begin to understand that life is not about having everything we want, but about becoming who God has called us to be.
After all, everything we have and everything we are comes from Him and exists through Him. Without Christ , we may gain the world and still miss what truly matters.
In John 10:10, Jesus promises life in all its fullness. This abundant life is found not in controlling every outcome, but in walking closely with Him and trusting His leading.
God’s plans for us are greater than what we can accomplish in our own strength.
Surrendering our plans does not mean giving up on our future; it means entrusting our future to the One who sees beyond what we can see.
His ways may not always make sense to us, but we can trust His wisdom and faithfulness.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s promise of hope and a future. Though the promise was originally given to the Israelites in exile, it reminds us that even in seasons of uncertainty, God remains faithful to His purposes.
So, do not be afraid to surrender your dreams,release your need for control, or trust God with the unknown. When you surrender your life to Christ, you are not losing your future, you are placing it in the hands of the One who knows you best.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I surrender my dreams, thoughts, desires, and plans into Your hands. Teach me to deny myself, take upmy cross, and follow You daily. When the future feels uncertain I will only trust You. Align my heart with your purposes, guide my steps, and let Your plans prevail in my life. I surrender my plans because I trust you. Let my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, amen.