The Cost and Joy of Following Jesus

We’re called not to a comfortable life but to Christ!

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
(Matthew 10:39)

I grew up hearing stories of people willing to go anywhere so those who had never heard the name of Jesus could hear the gospel, and my parents were among them. After coming to faith, they felt a deep call to go to one of the most spiritually unreached places, which was, at that time, Spain. Their willingness to obey, no matter the cost, shaped my understanding of discipleship from an early age. Matthew 10 describes that same call as Jesus prepares His disciples for ministry and outlines what authentic discipleship really looks like. It’s a passage that challenges me deeply, and I believe it will challenge you as well.

Jesus begins with what I call the Confession Test. If you’re going to follow Him, there must be a clear and public acknowledgment of your allegiance to Him. Just as a marriage requires witnesses, discipleship requires confession. If we’re unwilling to acknowledge Him openly, we need to ask ourselves if we’ve made a genuine confession of faith.

Then comes the Commitment Test. Jesus isn’t asking to be added to your life—He’s calling you to surrender your life and follow Him. His Lordship reaches into every part of who we are: our priorities, our desires, and our relationships. For many believers around the world, that kind of allegiance comes at a significant cost. Have you considered what that kind of commitment looks like in your own life?

Lastly, Jesus gives His disciples the Cross-Carry Test. In His time, the cross wasn’t a religious symbol but a death sentence. Jesus made it clear that following Him means dying to our ways so we can live fully in His mission. Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” That is the heart of Matthew 10. Discipleship isn’t easy, but it is life-giving. Every time we choose obedience, no matter the cost, we find ourselves more rooted in His purpose and more alive in His joy.

Bold Step Challenge:
Ask the Lord to highlight one area of your life where He is calling you to deeper surrender. It may be your comfort, your reputation, a habit, or a relationship. Pray honestly: “Lord, show me what it truly means to follow You here.” Then take one step of obedience this week.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for calling me not to comfort but to Christ. Give me courage to confess You boldly, strength to follow You wholeheartedly, and grace to carry the cross You’ve placed before me. Shape me into a true disciple whose life reflects Your heart, Your mission, and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: What It Means to Be a Disciple

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Something remarkable is happening beneath the surface of our culture—something quiet, unexpected, and deeply encouraging. Across campuses, workplaces, and everyday life, young men in Gen Z are rediscovering faith, identity, and purpose in Jesus. To explore this surprising movement, I recently launched a brand-new seven-episode podcast series called Quiet Revival: Gen Z Men and the Return to Faith. Each episode features honest conversations with voices like Ed Stetzer, Gary Chapman, Chris Brooks, Sean McDowell, and others who are seeing this awakening firsthand.

Whether you’re a parent, pastor, mentor, or simply someone who cares about the future of the church, this series will give you fresh insight and renewed hope. Discover why young men are returning to Jesus, what they’re longing for, and how the church can walk with them in authentic, life-giving ways. Listen and watch Quiet Revival on our website, on our YouTube channel, or on your favorite podcast app. This is the story no one saw coming—but everyone needs to hear.