When Our Obedience Costs Others: Embracing the Cross Together

Inspired by insights from Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest

"As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus."
— Luke 23:26

The road to Calvary was one of unimaginable suffering for Jesus, yet even in His final moments, He allowed another to step in and carry part of His burden. Simon of Cyrene, likely a bystander caught in the chaos, was suddenly thrust into this sacred moment—not by choice, but by necessity. Jesus, the Son of God, fully obedient to the will of the Father, needed help.

There’s something deeply humbling in realizing that Jesus, in His obedience, allowed someone else to bear His cross. His submission to God's will directly impacted Simon's life, interrupting his plans and causing significant personal discomfort. And yet, what seemed like an inconvenience became a moment of profound participation in God’s redemptive story.

This truth confronts us with an important question: Are we willing to accept that our obedience to God might inconvenience others—or even require their involvement in burdens they didn’t choose?

The Ripple Effect of Obedience

When we surrender to God’s will, it doesn’t happen in isolation. Our decisions to follow Christ may disrupt the comfort of those around us—our family, friends, or coworkers. They may have to adjust, sacrifice, or even carry burdens because of the path we’ve chosen. Like Simon, they might be pressed into situations they never anticipated.

Consider missionaries leaving behind family, or believers stepping into ministries that require financial support or emotional backing from loved ones. Sometimes, even standing firm in faith during trials may place emotional weight on those close to us.

Yet, obedience isn’t about controlling every consequence. It’s about trusting God with those consequences, even when it affects others. Jesus didn’t shield Simon from the cross—He allowed him to share in it. Likewise, God may allow others to step into our burdens or be impacted by our surrender to His will.

The Humility to Receive Help

Many of us resist the idea of needing help. Pride whispers, “I should be able to carry this alone.” But Jesus Himself modeled something different. He accepted Simon's assistance, showing us that accepting help is not weakness—it’s humility.

We were never meant to bear every burden in isolation. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Sometimes obedience means allowing others to step in, even when it feels uncomfortable or humbling.

Trusting God with the Impact

It’s natural to hesitate when our obedience might bring discomfort or sacrifice to others. We might think, “I don’t want to burden anyone” or “What if this costs them too much?” Yet, God is sovereign over the ripple effects of our obedience. If He has called us to a path, He will sustain not only us but also those who are drawn into the journey.

Our role is simple: obey and trust God with the consequences. We cannot see the whole picture, but He can. Just as Simon’s burden became part of God’s redemptive plan, God can use every inconvenience and disruption for His glory.

A Prayer for Trusting God with Obedience

Father,
Thank You for showing us through Jesus that obedience is often costly, not just to us but to those around us. We choose to trust You with the weight our obedience might place on others. Remind us that we are not meant to walk alone and that You provide others to share in our burdens. Give us humility to receive help when we need it and grace to endure when our obedience disrupts the comfort of those we love. May we rest in the truth that You are sovereign over every consequence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Thought

Our obedience may come with a cost—for us and for others. But in God’s hands, every burden shared becomes part of His greater story. Like Simon, may we embrace the unexpected crosses we’re asked to carry and trust that God is working through every step.