It’ll likely be on the other side of Heaven before I can ever share in full the personal cost of following Jesus.

 

There has not been one area of my life that hasn’t come under the surrendered cost of following Christ.

 

There have been many personal losses.

 

I need you to know the truth of this walk so that you can endure to the end.

 

War requires a preparation and with any war comes many battles.

 

When you came to Jesus I hope you also surrendered to Him. Because in the deepest of battles you’ll need to know, and obey, His voice even when the cost is great. At times it will seem more than you can bear.

 

You might find that suddenly in your walk with Christ people exit without ever explaining why. Trust Jesus.

 

You might find yourself in a catastrophic loss unimaginable. Trust Jesus.

 

You’ll find yourself in battles that cause a bloodshed you never thought possible. Trust Jesus.

 

You’ll be despised and hated by those who don’t even know you. Trust Jesus.

 

You will be rejected by those you loved. Trust Jesus.

 

You’ll be mocked and ridiculed for the calling on your life. Trust Jesus.

 

It is a cost that will cost you everything.

 

Yet in the end should you choose, and you will have to choose, to remain firm in your obedience to Christ the cost will be worth it.

 

When the trials come, and they will, remember this message and whisper to yourself:

 

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12)