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And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself -- that is, disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself -- and take up his cross daily, and follow Me [that is, cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example, in living and if need be in dying also].  Luke 9:23 (Amp.) 

What is the cross that we are to pick up?  I have heard many explanations. Some say that the cross we are to bear are the afflictions of this life.  Sickness, disease, poverty - any situation that is contrary to the blessings of God is lumped into the category of "the cross we must bear".  But I ask you to consider this - when Jesus made that statement who was He talking to?  The instruction was to those whose desire was to follow Him - without compromise - wanting to surrender themselves completely to Him.  If that is the case than wouldn't is seem that the cross He talked about would be unlike the burdens carried by the rest of the world?  Doesn't is seem that the cross He talked about was distinct, special, specific to those who would follow Him?  If that is true than examine the 'burden' of sickness - of disease - of poverty - of disappointment or rejection.  Are these 'crosses' borne only by Christians?  There are many who 'carry' these burdens and do not know Christ.  If carrying one of these burdens were a sign of our dedication to Him - are we to assume that everyone with a disease or who lives in poverty is 'sold out' to Jesus - therefore - this burden is placed upon them?   No, I think you would agree, that the simple presence of disease or poverty or rejection or other similar situations are not proof of ones dedication to Jesus Christ. 

Then what could He have meant?  I truly believe the cross He asks us to take up is to totally surrender ourselves to Him and to follow Him.  This goes way beyond accepting Him as savior.  It means being submitted to Him.  It means making a decision to 'live' the example He gave us - realizing that to do this means we must rely upon Him.  It is only with Christ living in us - and through us - that we can 'live' His example.  The burden or cross we bear is to daily make the decision to give ourselves to Him. It is so easy to be caught up in our daily lives and 'forget' that God cares about every small detail.  We are easily distracted by problems we have to solve and circumstances we have to overcome.  The joys are shared with those around us forgetting to include the One who gives all blessings.  He does not ask us to take up this cross to share in suffering - but to share in the fullness of His power and glory and love. 

If you are a Christian who finds themselves in a circumstance involving disease or lack in some area of your life - do not give God praise FOR the disease or lack - give Him praise for His grace which carries you through the circumstance.  He is not the author of the disease or the lack - and He is able to get your attention in many other loving ways - He is not punishing you, Jesus marked your debt "Paid in Full".  The reason we must endure certain circumstances draws the attention back to ourselves and away from God.  Focus on Him - let Him take care of the circumstance.  If you are saying - "But you don't understand..." - then you are making a decision to focus on the circumstance.  Whether it be sickness, financial burdens or disappointment or rejection -  anything that has stolen your joy - He is able to see you through.   Give Him a 'call' - He is always there - always willing to answer - and has just what you need for today!

I encourage you - take up the cross He has offered to us.   It is the gateway to abundant life.