Radical obedience to Jesus will cost you. At the
very least, it may cost ease and comfort but oh, it is always worth it!
When Paul declared in Acts 21:13, “I am ready not
only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord
Jesus,” he wasn’t being theatrical he was being wholly surrendered.
Friends begged him not to go. Prophets foretold
chains and captivity. But Paul had settled something deep in his soul:
obedience to Jesus outweighed safety, comfort, or reputation. He was all in.
After being constrained by the Spirit to go to
Jerusalem (Acts 20:22), Paul obeyed. In doing so, he was fully aware—thanks to
the Spirits clear warnings—that suffering lies ahead. Tearful believers urge
him to turn back. But Paul? Unshaken. He proclaims not only a willingness to
suffer, but to die for Jesus name. He wasn’t chasing pain—he was chasing
Christ, regardless of cost. His resolve echoes Jesus own invitation in Luke
9:23: Take up your cross daily and follow Me.
Let’s be real—most of us would love a silky-smooth
road of ease and comfort on our way to glory. We crave the blessing minus the
burden, the peace without pressure. But authentic discipleship often means
doing the hard thing simply because it’s the right thing. It might look like
standing for truth while others stay silent or walking through the fire instead
of dodging it—because God is leading you there, on purpose. Like Paul, your yes
to God must roar louder than your fear of what’s next.
Ask yourself today: Am I willing to say yes, even
when it stings? It might not be prison bars but it might! It might mean
misunderstandings, rejection, delayed dreams, lost relationships, financial
sacrifice, loss of status, cultural pushback, or unappreciated labor. It will
surely cost the daily death of self-will. Dont shrink. Lean in. Jesus is worth
every ounce.
Let your love blaze hotter than your fear of suffering. Like Paul, let it be settled in your spirit: obedience is the prize, even when it hurts! May the Lord gift you a Paul-like heart—undaunted, devoted, and ready. May His Spirit breathe courage into your lungs to follow wherever He leads. And may your obedience echo into eternity—for the glory of His name.
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