11/11/2025
We deceive ourselves if we believe that discipleship is easy. If we think that following Jesus is free of suffering, we are wrong. All of Jesus’ disciples experienced severe hardships, rejection, isolation, and beatings.
All but one is said to have faced the violent death of martyrdom.
Why then should we expect less?
The call of Christ is the call of the cross.
Matthew 16: 24-25 tells us:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”
Sufferings come in various forms and what makes them worthwhile is that through them, we are made more like Jesus. The disciples were empowered to press on with the message of Christ because Christ himself had set them free. Through the blood shed on Calvary, they were free from the weight of sin and death. That glorious gift of grace is what allowed them to face any obstacle the world presented.
Likewise, we must give up our way.
We must take up the cross and follow Christ.
Rejoice in chains.
Endure conflict with joy.
Embrace the night with song.
Give God glory in persecutions.
Stand in the fire with praise.
We must do whatever it takes to meet the world with this message:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Love To All,
Sherry ♥️
*Image by Jericho Hills Photography
