Daily Surrender: Living in the Power of the Cross
Are you carrying your responsibilities in your own strength—or surrendering them to Christ at the Cross?
“THAT I MAY KNOW HIM. . . BEING MADE CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH” (PHIL. 3:10).
The Cross: More Than a Moment
The thought for today comes from Abide Above’s devotional, which reminds us that the Cross isn’t just a historical event or a theological concept. It’s a daily reality, shaping how we live and grow in Christ. The words of Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him... being made conformable unto His death,” call us to a deeper walk—a daily surrender to the ongoing work of the Cross in our lives.
Why the Cross is Always Relevant
It’s easy to think that because we’ve been “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20), the work of the Cross is done. But as today’s devotional points out, there’s more to the story. While the Cross has already secured our victory over sin, it’s also where we daily deny the living patterns of our old self (the flesh) and let Christ’s life reign in its place.
Even the good things in life—like raising a child, managing a career, or serving in ministry—can feel overwhelming when carried in our own strength. Over time, even blessings can become burdens if they’re not surrendered to Christ. The Cross invites us to lay these responsibilities at His feet, letting Him carry them through us, turning burdens into blessings.
A Picture of Surrender
Imagine carrying a backpack, not just filled with the weight of your daily responsibilities but with a precious baby—a blessing. At first, it feels manageable, even joyful. But over time, the weight grows heavy, and exhaustion sets in. That’s what happens when we try to carry even good things in our own strength.
Coming back to the Cross is like setting that backpack down. It’s a daily choice to stop striving and rest in what Jesus has already accomplished. As today’s Abide Above devotional says, “We never reach a point where we can leave the Cross.”
Living in the Power of the Cross
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:11 remind us that being “delivered unto death” isn’t about despair—it’s about life. The more we allow the Cross to deal with the living patterns of our old self, the more His life shines through us.
Here’s the beautiful irony: true freedom comes from surrender. When we let go of self-effort, we step into the abundance Christ promises. And the more we embrace the Cross, the less room there is for the flesh to creep back in.
Reflect & Respond
Take a moment to reflect on these questions:
What responsibilities are you carrying in your ‘backpack’ today?
How might those weights change if you surrendered them to Christ at the Cross?
A Simple Daily Prayer
As you start your day, consider praying this:
“Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me today, moment by moment. I yield the responsibilities I’m carrying to the Cross and receive Your life in their place.”
Let this prayer remind you that the Cross is not only a place of surrender but also the source of life for every step.
Final Encouragement
The Cross is always enough to meet the depths of our struggles. It’s not just where we begin—it’s where we return, again and again, to find life, freedom, and victory. Let’s carry this truth with us today, knowing that in every moment of surrender, His life is at work in us.