Does Dying To Yourself Mean Your Life Gets Worse? Jesus Says The Opposite | Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross

In today's Daily Hope, Pastor John S. Dickerson unpacks Jesus's words: "Whoever would come after me must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me." Some Christian traditions turn this into a checklist of suffering, as if joy and following Jesus can't coexist. Pastor John reminds listeners that the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, and peace—following God is a joyful adventure, even in the moments He calls us to die to our pride, our ego, or our own agenda. Here's the lie to watch for: the enemy wants you to believe that dying to yourself means your life gets worse. In reality, joy follows surrender. Jesus put it this way: whoever tries to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for His sake will truly find it—real purpose, real fulfillment, real joy. Whatever it is God is asking you to lay down today—an assumption, a grudge, your pride, your comfort—this episode is an encouragement that joy is waiting on the other side. Text "DAILY" to 71093 to receive Daily Hope videos sent to your phone every day. Download the CP+ Spiritual Fitness App for more. More resources: https://www.connectionpointe.org/revival/