Devotion for Monday, August 18, 2025

“As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross” (Matthew 27:32).

Beaten to the point of death, but not dead, another had to assist Him to carry the cross.  Have we not been told to take up our cross and follow Jesus?  We too have our part in seeing our sin crucified.  Jesus does it, but we must do our part and let it go.  We each have our part of the journey which must be walked.  Part of it is to help others, even strangers whom we do not know.  Every part of this story has meaning.

Lord, I may not understand all that You have done and all that You are doing, but everything with You has meaning.  Help me to see the meaning in all that You tell me by Your word.  Lead me according to Your Holy Spirit to get wisdom and gain understanding.  Guide me in the way of sorrows that I may know more fully the truth of the joy which You give in this gift of faith which is mine though You.

Lord Jesus, You died for me so that I could have the gift of Your life.  Lead me in the way You have established.  Where there is a cross to be carried, help me to willingly be placed into Your service.  Grant that I would have the fortitude to walk the path You set before me, no matter where it may lead.  Through all things, You pressed forward to accomplish the Father’s will; so help me to press forward to do whatever You place before me.  Amen.