Have you ever thought about how much of life revolves around sacrifice? A farmer plants a seed, but that seed has to be buried before it can grow. A parent gives up time and energy to nurture their child. Even in our walk with God, something always has to die for something greater to be born —it’s the reality of the gospel.

From the very beginning, God built redemption into creation. When Adam and Eve fell, the perfect harmony of the world was shattered, but even in that moment, God promised a way forward. He spoke of a seed that would crush the serpent’s head. That seed? Jesus. His death on the cross wasn’t a backup plan; it was always the way God planned to bring us back to Him.

But here’s the thing about the cross—it doesn’t just stop with Jesus. He invites us to carry our own cross. That’s where it gets hard, doesn’t it? We love the idea of grace and forgiveness, but the idea of laying something down—our pride, our plans, even our comfort—isn’t as appealing. Yet, Jesus made it clear: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” Luke 9:23.

Carrying your cross means something in your life has to die. Maybe it’s the need to control everything. Maybe it’s an old way of thinking that keeps you stuck. Maybe it’s the belief that you can do it all on your own. But here’s the promise: when you let go of what’s holding you back, you make room for the life Jesus offers.

Throughout scripture, we see this theme over and over. Abraham was willing to lay Isaac on the altar, trusting God to provide. Joseph endured betrayal and hardship, trusting God’s bigger plan. Even the rituals in Leviticus, which might seem strange at first, point us to this truth. In the cleansing of a leper, one bird was sacrificed while another was dipped in its blood and released, symbolizing death and resurrection—Jesus’ work on the cross.

The truth is, we all carry things that need to go. Maybe it’s a habit, a hurt, or even just the idea that we can have it all without fully surrendering to Jesus. The cross reminds us that redemption comes at a cost. But it’s not just about what we give up—it’s about what we gain. When we lay down our lives, we find real life in Him.

So, what’s the one thing you know needs to die in your life today? It’s a hard question, but it’s one worth asking. Because on the other side of surrender is freedom. The kind of freedom only Jesus can give.

Remember, the blood of Jesus didn’t just cover our sin—it opened the door for us to live a life that’s new, whole, and free. But to walk through that door, something has to die. Are you ready to let it go?