One way we all can stay on course in our Christian walk is to stay eternally focused. By focusing on the big picture we are educated and equipped to do bite sized steps.

After Evan, our new son-in-law asked for our daughter’s hand in marriage, I knew it would result in them living on the other side of the world.

I did have a brief thought about moving to be closer to them. What caused the thought to be a brief one was knowing God’s will for Patsy and my life.

Jesus said it like this:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.
(Matt. 16:24-25 NLT)

Here are some thoughts about God's plans and purposes: 

• Our flesh will selfishly try to create thoughts, excuses, and ways to escape from doing God’s will
• Followers of Jesus are required to lay down their own will and take up the will of God for their own lives
• The process to follow is; “turn, take up, and then follow”
• Although we may think we’ll lose something, we will always GAIN something by following God’s will

May each of us lay down our own desires and plans and joyfully pick up our cross. Our cross represents God’s will and purpose for our lives, which is a good thing.