The True Cost of Following Jesus: Are You Ready?

Let me keep it real with y’all… Following Jesus is not for the weak! I don’t know where we get this idea that once we come to Christ our lives will be all rainbows and butterflies, being exempt from every hurt and pain that may come our way. If we read the not-so-fine lines, we are called to SUFFER as He has suffered.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:17 (NIV) (emphasis added)

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13 (NIV) (emphasis added)

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,” Philippians 1:29 (NIV) (emphasis added)

Jesus makes it very clear that following Him comes at a cost. In Luke 9:23, He said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Did y’all hear that?! We have to deny ourselves DAILY! Being a disciple of Christ means more than just believing in Him; it means living like Him, loving like Him, and sacrificing like Him. And to be completely honest with y’all… I be struggling.

I know I’m not alone when I say I can be selfish. I like what I like and want what I want. This denying ourselves and living, loving, and sacrificing like Christ is difficult to follow because we live in a world that values comfort, convenience, and self-promotion. Everything is instant and what I like to call popcorn. We want what we want; if we hear no, we’ll go on to the next yes. We literally don’t take no for an answer. And we wonder why we struggle with following God’s Word! When God says no, we get offended and think He’s being a hater and that He’s being difficult. But Jesus never promised an easy path; He promised a purposeful one. Discipleship requires a willingness to let go of our plans, to say no to our desires, and to follow His lead, even when it’s hard.

Be Encouraged!

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:16 (NIV)

Reflection: Are you willing to pay the cost of discipleship and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when it’s hard?

Some days, I’m willing to risk it all and act like I don't know Christ or what He’s done for me and has saved me from. Again, I want what I want, and I want it now. It seems as if no one is talking about how hard it is to break old habits and say no to what our flesh is accustomed to. I can’t see anything else but my desires. I have a real, honest conversation with my Father in those moments. I let Him know I’m struggling to live up to who He's calling me to be, and I honestly don’t know if I want what He wants for me if it means not getting what I want. I’m always reminded that in my weakness He is strong; God can handle my honesty. And let’s be real, where am I gonna go?! After I do what I want that He told me not to, I run right back to Him, asking Him to save and protect me. Moral of the story: I’m not going anywhere!

The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is far greater. Jesus promised, “Whoever loses their life for me will find it” Matthew 16:25. In losing our life—our plans, our dreams, our desires—we find true life in Him. We discover a deeper purpose, a greater joy, and an eternal reward.

Being a disciple is not a one-time decision; it’s a DAILY choice to follow Jesus, to trust Him, and to live according to His Word. It’s a decision that requires courage, faith, and commitment.

Are you ready to go on the most amazing journey of your life, filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows? The beautiful thing about it is that you don’t have to be afraid because you have a Savior who will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). So, if you are struggling with this walk with Christ, you are not alone and are in good company.

Read The Shocking Truth About Grieving That Will Change Your Life Forever! to learn how I had to surrender my plans and desires and be obedient to God's calling.

With Love,

Leandra

“For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:5 (NIV)

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