In February 2015, a terrorist group in the Middle East released a video showing the gruesome beheadings of 21 Coptic Christians (all men) on a beach in Libya. It is reported that prior to losing their lives, many were mouthing the name of Jesus, calling out to Him. It’s also reported that none of them denied their faith in Jesus. When our Christian brothers left their homes and families in Egypt to find work in Libya, they had no idea that they would become martyrs who stained the sea red with their blood.
Most of us will not likely die a martyr’s death, but we’re called to give up our agendas in order to follow Jesus’ way for our lives—submitting to His perfect will. Jesus calls each of us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We’re to follow Him at once—just as Simon and Andrew left their nets, livelihood, and family to follow the Lord (Matthew 4:20). For them to follow Jesus meant full surrender and submission to Him and His plans.
I desire to obey Jesus, to follow Him wherever He leads me. But I’ve learned that when it comes down to it and following Jesus gets difficult, I want to be the one to decide when, where, and how to follow Him. I want to be the master instead of the servant. I want to serve Jesus and others when it’s convenient for me. Yet, like our brothers who lost their lives, I’m called to follow Jesus even when it’s inconvenient.
When we find following Jesus difficult, it’s important to remind ourselves that God is good and that Jesus’ way is best even when it’s not what we naturally might choose. Jesus says, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). The way may not be easy or convenient, but He will be with us every step.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: James 1:2-27
More:
Read and reflect on Genesis 12:1-9. What did Abraham leave in order to follow God? Can you imagine how much it cost him, at least initially?
Next:
When do you find it most inconvenient to follow Jesus? How are you doing in your full surrender and submission to Him and His ways?
yemiks1 on December 19, 2015 at 3:10 am
Thoughtful… God bless for the encouragement.
Marlena Graves on December 19, 2015 at 5:10 pm
Thank you. I only have minor inconveniences.
Gary Shultz on December 19, 2015 at 7:10 am
A sad account to be sure, but you have chosen powerful words, “surrender” and “submission”. If we can just learn the beauty of those words and how our surrender captures all God has in-store for us and allows God’s love to pour through us. It took an unnatural amount of courage and faith to face death. Because life was placed in surrender to Christ, earthly life was taken, eternal life was given. Christ is Lord of both and can reward beyond what we see and know now. Thank you, may this be a blessed Christmas for you.
Marlena Graves on December 19, 2015 at 5:14 pm
Christ is Lord of both and can reward beyond what we see and know now. – beautiful. Thank you for the encouragement.
Mike Wittmer on December 19, 2015 at 11:37 am
Thank you for this. I must die to myself today, so I will be ready to die physically if called upon. Sobering, but true!
Marlena Graves on December 19, 2015 at 5:13 pm
I think you’re exactly right; we die a thousand deaths in following Christ. Some of us may be called to be martyrs. Our little obediences result in big obediences. Also, the Orthodox talk about martyrs a lot … ancient ones as well as contemporary. It’s always before them.
dlc5 on December 27, 2015 at 10:37 pm
Thank you for this. I just finished reading My Utmost for His Highest – Dec.28th, and there is a real similarity between the two articles. It’s so true that our own pride gets in the way of our growth as Christians. When the following is tough, and it’s always tough to go against your will, it has helped me to remember, ” Who is calling me?” Verses like Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage;…” and then I confess, “Yes, I know it’s You, Lord, and I can trust You. I just need a little reminder sometimes.”
Marlena Graves on December 27, 2015 at 11:42 pm
Thank you of the good word. I am going to read My Utmost for Dec. 28th too now that you mentioned it. And it is pride. We can be too proud to do the little things he has called us to do, or too proud to live his way because it doesn’t make sense to us. All in all, we like to call the shots.
dlc5 on December 28, 2015 at 11:59 am
Thank you, Marlena, for your reply. Sorry, I got the “My Utmost” date wrong. Should have been Dec.27th