The natural tendency of all of us humans is to accept self and deny suffering. We say yes to ourselves, no to the Cross. But this simply will not do if we have any idea of becoming real disciples. The mystery of suffering touches the deepest place in our hearts where we may meet God. If we refuse it, we close the door to Him, to the possibility of purification and revelation. We must turn completely around, do the thing most unnatural—with supernatural help—and say yes to the Cross and all that it means of self-denial and acceptance of pain, loss, humiliation, death. The vistas of light and glory that will open to us if we will pay this steep price are unimaginable. But of course we may have to wait a long time. Today we are faced with the choice.
O Prince of Glory, Who dost bring
Amy Carmichael, Toward Jerusalem
Thy sons to glory through the Cross,
Let us not shrink from suffering,
Reproach, or loss.
**Excerpt originally published in Guided by God’s Promises, p. 303.