“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding” – Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
Being a disciple is a lifelong, intentional process of following Jesus Christ, in the good times and the challenging times, as we strive to display His character in our lives. We are called to trust God, and this, my brothers and sisters, can be challenging at times, given our life’s circumstances. Nevertheless, trusting God with all our hearts and leaning not on our own understanding is fundamental to being effective in His call for our lives.
When Jesus called His first disciples, Peter and Andrew, they were fishermen. Fishing for fish was their livelihood, and here comes Jesus telling them to follow Him and He will make them fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19). No promise of six-figure contracts and luxury living, yet they left their nets and followed Jesus (Verse 20). That is trusting God completely! This is the place we need to be as disciples of Christ.
Following Jesus also means living a life of consistent, effective, and transformative prayer. For this to occur, we must give up some sleep and some comfort at times. Jesus lived a life of prayer. He took nothing for granted. He spent time in prayer, for He understood what was at stake for our redemption. He has entrusted us with the assignment of recruiting and teaching others the Gospel of the kingdom of God.
A life of prayer is essential for growth and expansion. Jesus asked His disciples, in a critical moment of His life, “…Could ye not watch with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40 (KJV). Just one hour can make a difference in our lives, in our nation, in our communities, in our families, just one hour of our time.
It would not always be easy being a disciple of Christ; we may experience rejection from our family and friends, and that is okay. We may also need to change the company we keep so we can fulfil the mandate of Christ: “…Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15, CSB).
Spending time with God and studying His Word will equip us to make disciples of others and help sustain a life of holiness and good success.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I ask that You help me to be more vigilant in my walk with You. Help me be the disciple who brings about change wherever I go, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 19:29; Luke 18:7-8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 45:1-9; Luke 15; Deuteronomy 19; Deuteronomy 20