“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)
Jesus embraced His cross before the foundation of the world. Peter didn’t share his enthusiasm. He sought to dissuade his Master from climbing Calvary’s hill. Peter also had a hard time swallowing the idea that he had his own cross to bear. How come his life couldn’t be more like John’s he asked? (John 21:21)
To accept suffering runs antithetical to human nature. But as we mature as disciples, we learn to submit to, rather than resist, the very things God would use to perfect us. We willingly take up our cross with thanksgiving. Why? Because we expect the glory of God to be revealed in our life as we fully embrace the unique circumstances of our life, however difficult or painful they may be.