The cost of following Jesus requires that we give up ANYTHING that distracts us or ANYTHING that we might tend to trust in MORE THAN GOD. The cost of following Jesus requires EVERYTHING, all we have — ALL OF OUR TRUST. In reality what do we have that God did not give us? Did He not make us? Did He not give us all the good things we have and enjoy? If we remember that He gave us our lives and we give it back to Him, the exchange will be that He will give us A MUCH BETTER LIFE here and AN ETERNAL LIFE when we pass from this life.
“When Jesus saw the crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.” (Matt. 8:18) Jesus always knew where, when and why, He was going…
“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, SHOUTING, “LORD, SAVE US! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have SO LITTLE FAITH!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a GREAT CALM. The disciples were amazed. “WHO IS THIS MAN?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves OBEY HIM!” (Matt. 8:23-27) Why would God allow bad things to happen to His obedient children?.. Well God often uses impossible situations to demonstrate His sovereignty over EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF OUR LIVES – if only we would take God AT HIS WORD, TRUST HIM IN ALL THINGS and DEPEND UPON HIM ENTIRELY!
-Bill Stockham