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The older Pastor Brent gets, the more he struggles with comfort. He likes to take it easy. However, the Holy Spirit pricked his heart and asked what price Brent is willing to pay to follow Christ.
How far are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to serve Jesus?
Expect Life to be Hard
Are you expecting your life to be peaceful and prosperous?
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matt. 14:22-30
You will run into turbulence! Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat, even though the wind was rough. You will encounter hard times and people that don’t want to hear about Jesus. However, take heart because God is with us in the storms!!
So many things aren’t easy (parenting, marriage, ministry), but they are worth the effort!
Expect Conflict
As you step out in faith, expect conflict with your loved ones.
Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Mt. 10:34
Remember that God has given you a family of believers to walk with you during these times.
When experiencing conflict with others, we must love them with the love of Christ:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Your loyalty to Jesus Christ must surpass your loyalty to anything else. We tend to value ourselves way too much and God’s people too little. It’s not about being served or comfortable.
Get out of the boat and keep your eyes on Jesus!
Live Like Jesus
Live your life like Jesus! After ministering, Jesus went to pray (Mt. 14:23). Stop worrying and start praying!
Share Jesus! When was the last time you shared your faith? GO to where people need Jesus and meet them where they are at.