Following Jesus Is Not A Cake Walk

My Utmost For His Highest

“If you stayed home when God told you to go because you were so concerned about your own people there, then you actually robbed them of the teaching of Jesus Christ Himself. When you obeyed and left all the consequences to God, the Lord went into your city to teach, but as long as you were disobedient, you blocked His way. Watch where you begin to debate with Him and put what you call your duty into competition with His commands. If you say, “I know that He told me to go, but my duty is here,” it simply means that you do not believe that Jesus means what He says. […] Are we playing the part of an amateur providence, trying to play God’s role in the lives of others? […] But don’t wait sulking spiritually and feeling sorry for yourself, just because you can’t see one inch in front of you! […] Waiting is not sitting with folded hands doing nothing, but it is learning to do what we are told.” CHAMBERS

Isn’t that an interesting take on what many who are called by God struggle with.  Becoming a Christian can have a significant impact on your relationships.  The fact that you are a Christian may cause a rift between you and family members or friends. (Luke 12:51-53) “Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."

Saying “yes” to God’s call to go and serve may require that you leave your family and friends.  (Matthew 10:35-37)  “For I have come to 'SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW'; He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”  Both can cause great angst in your heart.  (Matthew 8:21-22) “Then another of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."” 

I was recently asked what that verse meant because it seems so cold as compared to Jesus’ tenderness toward people.  First, I believe Jesus was saying let those who are spiritually dead towards Him bury the physically dead if it comes to a choice you must make. Second, Jesus was saying you have to choose to walk after things of the flesh – the natural world – or the spirit – your new life in Christ.  To do the first requires rejecting God  the second requires faith. If you are thinking that you can’t do what God has called you to do, you are right .. but He can.  (2 Corinthians 12:9) “And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."” Think about it. ELGIN

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)