Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Following Jesus means surrender. It means that we say no to ourselves. We decide not to do what we want to do. We choose to give up our plans for HIs plans. We die to everything we ever desired when we take up our cross. We follow Jesus and His plans not our own.
Have you surrendered to God and His will for your life? Have you turned from you to Him? Have you given up your own plans for His?