The Risky Call of Discipleship
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Matthew 10:16-25
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.
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of following Him. He warns His disciples that they will face opposition, persecution, and even betrayal. Yet, in these difficult circumstances, we’re called to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” True discipleship requires courage, wisdom, and endurance. Today, reflect on the costs of discipleship in your own life. What risks are you facing or avoiding in your walk with Christ? Though the path may be narrow and difficult, it leads to eternal life.
Are there areas in your life where fear of opposition is keeping you from fully following Jesus?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
Take Action:
Reading: Matthew 10:16-25
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.
Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of following Him. He warns His disciples that they will face opposition, persecution, and even betrayal. Yet, in these difficult circumstances, we’re called to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” True discipleship requires courage, wisdom, and endurance. Today, reflect on the costs of discipleship in your own life. What risks are you facing or avoiding in your walk with Christ? Though the path may be narrow and difficult, it leads to eternal life.
Are there areas in your life where fear of opposition is keeping you from fully following Jesus?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- 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).
- Pray for the strength to remain faithful, even when standing for Christ feels challenging.
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Lord, give me the courage to follow You no matter the cost. Strengthen my faith so I can stand firm, even in the face of opposition. Help me to be wise and gentle as I navigate the challenges of discipleship. Amen.
- 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:
- Identify one way you can take a bold stand for your faith today, whether at work, school, or within your relationships.
- Write down a Bible verse that encourages you to stay strong in your faith, and meditate on it throughout the day.
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