Following Jesus
And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
—Luke 14:27 (NIV)
About three years ago, I went to a surgical center for a precautionary exam and walked out with the word precancerous linked to my name. It was so easy to let fear take control in that moment, but God used that fear to awaken faith. That November morning, God strategically placed my cross right in front of me and gave me free will to pick it up. Though I wasn’t exactly sure what to do, I gave God my yes, and I have since seen Him use my obedience to bring about transformative work in my life and in the lives of others.
There is nothing I would rather do now than share the Good News and the good works of Jesus with others. Jesus brings hope, healing, peace, and change. I want others to know that He can do a new work in their lives, just as He did in mine. I live each day purposefully to share with others that God forgives, redeems, and resurrects life from death!
Walking away from the world and walking with Jesus often brings resistance and adversity, which Jesus uses to help us grow. I’ve had friends withdraw and unfollow me on social media where I share about Jesus. I’ve had family distance themselves from me because my relationship with Him makes them uncomfortable. I’ve been stereotyped, mocked, and disregarded for my faith. Many days, I feel like a black sheep.
I’ve realized that the closer we walk with Jesus, the more we feel separated from this world. God consistently uses His Word, people, opportunities, and situations to speak to us, stretch us, and transform us. He provides opportunities for us to face resistance so that we can grow in trust and stand firm in our faith. As we read our Bible and pray, God supplies us with what we need so that we can share it with others.
In my own cross-bearing experience, I find God pruning me as I read and fellowship with God. He takes me through a continuous process where He builds me up and breaks me down to remove strongholds and sin from my life. Tests come unexpectedly, and divine assignments are not scheduled—not because God wants to derail me, but because He’s testing, training, and equipping me to walk in the power, authority, and strength He has given. God reminds me every day that my words are powerless and ineffective without His favor, anointing, and blessing. He teaches me daily that my strength only comes from Him. When I turn something into an idol, God allows me to see and feel the damaging effects so I will quickly return to Him. God is constantly testing and growing me in trust, obedience, and surrender. He lets me feel the pressure and limits of abiding so I can recognize the value of the calling on my life.
Following Jesus can also bring us joy and excitement. We get to walk alongside others who live for Jesus, learning and growing with them. We get to encourage and support those who feel hopeless. We get to love people well and see the blessings that come from being a generous giver. We get to experience a freedom that only God can give and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Our joy no longer depends on this world or what people can give us, but on God. Living for Jesus is wonderful, incredible, and remarkable.
God, redirect our focus from ourselves to You … You are mighty, holy, perfect, unfailing, and powerful.
There is no greater privilege than bearing our crosses for Jesus, guiding others to the Kingdom's entrance. Whatever you're holding onto today, I urge you to lay it down and take up your cross. God is ready to use you and your story in powerful ways!
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.