Taking up a cross

I just read Henry Blackaby's devotion for today at http://www.blackaby.org.

The scripture was Luke 9:23 - If anyone desire to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Dr. Blackaby reminds us that we often want to follow Jesus, but without a cross. We insist that Jesus do all the dying.

What we fail to realize is that true life comes only as we die with Him (Romans 6).

Here is a portion of the devotional:

"Your “cross” is God’s will fo ryou, regardless of the cost. Taking up your cross is a choice; it is not beyond your control. You may have health problems or a rebellious child or financial pressures, but do not mistake these as your “cross to bear.” Neither circumstances you face nor consequences of your own actions are your cross. Your cross will be to voluntarily participate in Christ’s sufferings as He carries out His redemptive purposes_(Phil. 3:10). Paul said he rejoiced in his sufferings because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required to bring others into Christian maturity (Col. 1:24)."

What cross are you bearing for the glory of Jesus? Have you taken up your cross in the power of the Holy Spirit?