1 Corinthians 1-5

Humility:
1:25  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
2:9  “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
3:18-20  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness”; ²⁰ and again, “The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless.”

Matthew 16-20

Matthew 16:24-25 talks about giving up our lives for the sake of Christ.   That scares me and brings me right back to my fear of an unloving God.  While I understand that giving up my purpose and plan is ultimately best for me, I still tend to think I know what is best for me. (Grrr... stupid pride again)  I always freak out when I read this verse and think of the things that are most dear to me--my family.  Would God really hurt them or take them away from me?  What would be the purpose in that?  What would He be teaching me?  Can I learn that lesson without the pain of loss?  Maybe I am just crazy, but this is the train of thought that goes through my head EVERY SINGLE TIME I read these verses.