September 19

“Then He said to them all, If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23

The more important the position we occupy is, and the greater its responsibilities are–the more cares will it bring. The quiet calm is found in the low valley, not on the mountain-top. As we rise in life–our burdens increase. We need to learn how to carry our load cheerfully when it gets heavy. We cannot reach the higher places, and miss the steep climbing that leads to them. If we would gain the heights–we must consent to climb up the steep and rugged mountain. It was not a mere dream, which envisioned life to the patriarch as a ladder.