Did Jesus get colds? Probably. They happen to everyone, don’t they. For the past week and a half we’ve been battling colds in this house. My husband and son were both quite sick and I started to feel pretty good about myself. That’s when things go sour, isn’t it? Never feel good about how healthy you are. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and congestion. Just as the boys are getting better I am getting sick. It’s the circle of life in a way.
Colds are excellent reminders of our weakness as humans. The remind us that we are not impenetrable and it’s awfully discouraging to realize a tiny virus that we can’t even see can enter our body and destroy it’s equilibrium. I’m not pushing through this cold today. I’m no hero nor am I stupid. I saw what pushing through did for my son and husband and it is my hope that by surrendering I will be able to overcome it much faster.
Surrendering is often seen as a weak thing to do. We talk of winners vs. losers but in life sometimes you have to surrender to pull ahead. I thought it appropriate that this morning the Bible verse in my study was one which spoke about surrender.
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. – Mark 8:34
Now I’m not saying this cold is my cross. I’m not even saying it’s a spiritual struggle but I will say that it’s a good reminder of the need to surrender. We need to let go of control. We need to let go of ourselves and our own agendas and move with God in his path. Surrender in faith is ok, in fact it’s kind of required.