Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for.” – Mark 8:34-37 MSG

Jesus, it is so hard to embrace self-sacrifice and suffering, and yet you tell me that is how to save my soul. The only way this is possible is by your example. Thank you for leading me, and leading from my side as if yoked together. You are not dragging me along, but, rather, guiding me to what’s better, to what brings true life. With your help, today and every day, I surrender my desires for temporal fulfillment in exchange for your eternal purpose. I submit my selfish ways to your healing ways, my short-sighted will to your perfect will, my abhorrent sin for your saving grace. In your grace I pray, amen.

Spiritual discipline: practice submission