The Cost of Following Jesus

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: Mark 8

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

Following Jesus isn’t about comfort—it’s about surrender. He doesn’t promise ease, but He promises purpose and eternal life. Many turned away when the cost felt too high, but those who stayed discovered that what they gained far outweighed what they gave up.

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Ask God to help you count the cost honestly and to give you courage to follow Him fully.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Take Action:

1. Identify one area where you are holding back in your obedience to Christ. Take a step toward surrender today.
2. Read Mark 8:34–38 and journal what it means to “take up your cross” in your daily life.