S – Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. ²⁵ For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.

Matthew 16:24–25 CSB

O – Commentary: 

Carrying the horizontal crossbeam en route to crucifixion (where the upright stake sometimes already stood awaiting the condemned person) often meant enduring mockery and scorn on a path leading to death as a condemned criminal…“Follow” can be the language of discipleship, since disciples followed their teachers; here disciples follow to the cross.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – Challenges take on many forms.  There are physical challenges but also mental, emotional, and even spiritual challenges.  Our whole lives are fair game for the enemy to attack.  And, we are on our journey of growth that we have to work through.  We can’t quit.  We must continue to follow.

R – Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to strengthen our resolve today.  Give us the toughness and tenacity to work through the challenges to keep moving forward with you.  You never said it would be easy.  You said you would be with us.  That is enough.