Following JesusSample

Following Jesus is a commitment

When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, we give Him control over our present and our future. 

The closer you get to the end of high school, the more often your parents and their friends start asking you about your plans.  We take comfort in a solid, five-year plan. But Jesus doesn’t give us a detailed outline of our future. Instead, He says, “Come follow me.”

If that makes you nervous, remember who you gave your life to. Jesus loved you enough to give up His life for you. If He cares that much about your present state, why wouldn’t He also care about where you’re headed? 

The plans Jesus has for us are so great we wouldn’t believe Him if He told us. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jesus’ plan for your life is good, and it will unfold one step at a time. Remember, we’re following Jesus not meeting Him at a destination. 

Following Jesus takes commitment. A commitment to do what Jesus says even when it’s awkward or unpopular. And a commitment to keep following Him when we’re not quite sure where the journey is headed. 

Is following Jesus be easy? Nah. 

But is it worth it? Yes. 

Jesus tells His followers, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  

There’s nothing Jesus will lead you to that He won’t bring you through. The Bible promises “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). So say yes to Jesus every day, even when it’s hard, and watch Him work in your life. 

Reflect:

• How committed are you to following Jesus? 
• Have you ever had to choose between following Jesus or following the crowd? What did you learn from that experience?
• What has following Jesus taught you about commitment?