David Diga Hernandez: You Could Be Closer to God, But You Need to Stop Having Control

The Crucified Life: How to Surrender to God and Follow Jesus Daily

You could be much closer to God but hesitation is holding you back. Everything God calls you to do and become is found in living a surrendered, crucified life. This is a life fully yielded to Him, a life that says, “Lord, whatever You want from me, You can have it. Whatever You ask me to do, I will obey.” Deep down, this is what your heart desires—and this message is meant to challenge you to step into that reality.

In Luke 9:23–25, Jesus Christ teaches a powerful truth: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This call is not about living a miserable or joyless life, as some mistakenly believe. Rather, it is about surrendering your will to God’s will and choosing obedience over self-interest.

Understanding the True Meaning of “Taking Up Your Cross”

Many people misunderstand this teaching. Religion often distorts truth, turning something life-giving into a heavy burden. It can create the false idea that holiness means constant suffering, or that joy somehow weakens your faith. But this is not what Jesus meant.

Taking up your cross does not mean:

• Living in misery to prove your devotion
• Rejecting every form of joy or blessing
• Feeling guilty for God’s goodness in your life

Instead, it means laying down your own desires when they conflict with God’s will. It is about obedience—not unnecessary suffering.

For example, God does not ask you to abandon healthy relationships or feel guilty for being blessed with a good job, provision, or joy. These are gifts from Him. The real issue is not whether you have blessings, but whether those blessings control you more than God does.

The Heart of the Crucified Life: Trust and Obey

At its core, the crucified life is simple: trust God and obey Him.

Too often, people treat God like a servant to fulfill their desires. They approach prayer as a way to get what they want. But the truth is, we are called to be servants of God, fully surrendered to His purpose.

God wants to use your life:

• To impact your family and relationships
• To disciple and influence others
• To serve your community and church
• To be a light in a dark world

But this requires a shift: you must decrease so that God can increase in you.

What Must Be Crucified in Your Life?

Living the crucified life means putting to death anything that opposes the nature of Christ. This includes:

• Pride and ego
• Anger and bitterness
• Lust and sinful desires
• Dishonesty and manipulation
• Fear, doubt, and cynicism
• Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness, in particular, can be difficult. When you’ve been hurt, it may feel justified to hold on to resentment. But Scripture calls you to release it. True freedom comes when you let go and trust God with justice.

Daily Surrender: A Continuous Choice

Surrender is not a one-time decision it is a daily commitment. This is why Jesus said to take up your cross daily.

Like Jesus Christ in the garden, who prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” you are called to choose God’s will again and again, even when it is difficult or unclear.

There will be moments of fear:

• Fear of losing control
• Fear of what others think
• Fear of discomfort or sacrifice

But holding on to control often causes you to miss what God wants to do in your life. When you surrender, you step into His greater plan.

The Transformation of a Surrendered Life

As Paul the Apostle writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Every act of obedience transforms you:

• It weakens your old nature
• It strengthens your spiritual life
• It reveals more of Christ in you

Over time, people will begin to see Jesus in your life through your words, actions, love, and presence.

The Beauty of the Crucified Life

Contrary to popular belief, the crucified life is not empty or joyless. It is a life filled with:

• Deep peace and lasting joy
• True freedom and purpose
• Confidence in your identity in God
• A vibrant relationship with Him

This is not about losing your life it’s about finding it. When you surrender to God, you experience a richer, fuller life than you could ever create on your own.

Conclusion: Say Yes to God Today

The crucified life is an invitation to something greater. It is a call to surrender your will and embrace God’s perfect plan for your life.

Today, choose to say:

• “Lord, let my life reflect Yours.”
• “Let my will be replaced with Your will.”
• “I trust You, and I will obey.”

As you do, you will grow closer to God, hear His voice more clearly, and walk in the fullness of the life He has prepared for you.

Surrender is not loss it is the beginning of true life.