The Cost of Following Jesus

For a couple of days now, I have contemplated what I should say for my first blog. But I think being honest and transparent about where I am right now is best. Ever since my account has opened up, the Devil has been attacking me in all areas of my life. Even deciding to go on the World Race was a challenge in itself. Being the only Christian in my household, I constantly endure trials, as my faith is constantly degraded. To have your own parents be the ones who cause the heartaches and scars in your heart hurts the most. To not take their harsh words personally and willingly choose not to be bitter is a constant battle. To choose to surrender your feelings to God instead of dwelling in them is a hard decision we all have to make. It’s easy to justify our actions based on our circumstances. It’s easy to point fingers and make excuses for our behavior, but I am constantly reminded of how through my brokenness, God loves me. When I walked away, he still chose to pursue me. 

When I first brought up the World Race to my parents, they immediately rejected the idea of me going, as they saw my actions as idiotic and irrational. To hear a yes from God but yet the biggest no from my parents was a punch to the gut! It’s easy to question God’s motives once we endure conflict, but we have a choice to trust in him or ourselves. Just because we receive a yes from the Lord doesn’t mean we won’t have to wait at his hands and feet until he gives his next instruction. Just because we hear a yes, it doesn’t mean we won’t endure pain and trials. As a matter of fact, Jesus says ¨And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved(Matthew 10:22). My question to you is how much are you willing to endure for Jesus?

     After waiting 3 months to finally apply for the World Race, a new set of trials came along my way. With no financial help or support from my parents, I’ve endured many arguments, many attempts to stop me from continuing this program, and threats if I continue this journey. But for me, if I have to lose everything in order to continue this walk, I will. I believe God is who he says he is. He will fully fund me. He will provide all my gear. He will provide ways for me to fundraise. He will lift the scales off my parent’s eyes. He will break generational curses in my house, and most importantly, he will restore and save my family! If it cost me to be an outcast in my family, if it costs me to stand alone in this fight, if it costs me to give up everything I own, I will give it all up to follow the Lord. We will endure trials, we will hurt, we will be hated, and it will be uncomfortable, BUT I was born for such a time as this. No weapon formed against me shall prosper! I trust in his promises because he is consistent throughout the ages, and he is a man of his word. In 2 Corinthians 4: 16-17, it says, ¨Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.¨ God uses all our hurt and pain for his glory. No tear or affliction goes unseen by God. So although I may suffer in a valley, a breakthrough is on the horizon. And as I wait upon the Lord, I’ll remain anchored in him… even if it costs everything. Will you?