I have to admit: I’m often guilty of picking up more than I can physically carry. Whether it be from tidying up around the house, gathering my things as I get out of the car, or carrying groceries in the house, most times I find myself struggling to hold everything in my arms at once.

In turn, my arms start to hurt because I’m carrying too much, and I start to drop what I’m already holding.

You’d think I’d get the message: “Why don’t you try putting something down?”

But no, oftentimes when I drop something, I go right back to pick it up. And when I drop something else, I try to pick that up too. Before long, I’m in an endless cycle of “The Pickup Game,” nothing is getting done, and I’m left frustrated.

My not-so-fun pickup game makes me think: how often do we find ourselves in a cycle of trying to move forward in God’s will, but we can’t because we’re still holding onto something we need to put down?

Jesus tells us that if we want to follow after Him, we must first deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). The thing is, we can’t take up our cross if our arms are already full. Friend, if we truly want to follow after Jesus – to take up our cross each day, we have to be willing to let some things go.

But if we’re honest, denying ourselves and taking up our cross isn’t always easy.

When it was time for Jesus to take up His cross and endure His betrayal, beating, and crucifixion, it wasn’t easy for Him at all. He initially asked for the cup to pass from Him, but because He knew that God’s will was greater than His own, He continued (Luke 22:42). He continued because His finished work, paying the price of sin that we should have paid, and His love for us was greater than the pain and mockery He would face.

So when it comes to us taking up our cross and following after Jesus, we should have that same perspective.

Our love for God, and our desire to be in His will, must be greater than what He wants us to let go of.

And although it may not be easy to let go of that relationship, to confess that addiction, or to surrender our plans for His will, the fruit on the other side of our obedience is worth the sacrifice.

Be encouraged, friend! We can do it, and we are not alone!

Reflect

What is God asking you to let go of?