What does it really mean to pick up your cross and follow Jesus?In this Week 5 episode of the Side x Side Podcast, we step into one of the most challenging—and transformative—invitations from Jesus Christ found in Luke 9:23. This isn’t about surface-level faith or comfortable Christianity. This is about surrender, daily obedience, and the kind of discipleship that reshapes your entire life.In a world that tells you to protect yourself, build your life your way, and chase comfort at all costs… Jesus offers something radically different:👉 Deny yourself👉 Take up your cross daily👉 Follow HimBut what does that actually look like in real life?This episode dives deep into:Why self-denial is the starting point of true freedomWhat it really means to carry your cross (and what it doesn’t mean)How daily, unseen choices shape your faith more than big momentsWhy the dark seasons of life are often where God does His deepest workHow following Jesus leads not to loss—but to the life you were created forThrough powerful biblical examples like Peter the Apostle, Abraham, and Paul the Apostle, we explore the tension between control and surrender—and why the cross is not the end of the story.This is a call to move beyond belief… and into real discipleship.🔥 If you’ve ever wrestled with letting go, trusting God in the hard places, or wondering why faith feels costly—this episode is for you.📖 Scripture Focus:Luke 9:23🎧 Series: Joyful Is the Dark – Lenten Journey📍 Episode: Week 5 – Pick Up Your Cross🙏 Challenge:What cross are you avoiding right now?What is God asking you to lay down… today?Take one step. One act of surrender. One moment of trust.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 SubscribeJoin us as we walk side by side through faith that is real, raw, and rooted in Christ.#Faith #Discipleship #TakeUpYourCross #Lent #ChristianPodcast #FollowJesus #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchOnline