You have not the making of your own cross, your cross is prepared and appointed for you by divine love, and you are cheerfully to accept it. This day Jesus bids you submit your shoulder to His easy yoke. Jesus was a cross-bearer; He leads the way in the path of sorrow. Surely you could not desire a better guide! And if He carries a cross, what nobler burden would you desire? The Via Cruets is the way of safety; fear not to tread its thorny paths. It is a wooden cross, and a man can carry it, for the Man of Sorrows tried the load. Take up your cross, and by the power of the Spirit of God you will soon love it.
– Charles Spurgeon
“If were not for the persecution that we endure; (2 Cor 4:8,9 – We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed) how then could we sing a song of praise of thanksgiving or pray for strength and well being. If it were not for the heavy cross we would be lost, let it be then the anthem of a love sick bride who awaits for the groom. “
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