Day 3 – All In

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Not just in part, not just when it’s easy — but with your whole life, every day, and in every way?

As we walk through our PRAYER rhythm today, let each step be a way of going ‘all in’ with Jesus.

P| Pause

As I begin, I pause to be still. I choose to breathe deeply. I turn my whole attention toward the love and presence of God, praying, “Jesus, I open my hands and release my need for control. Teach me what it means to follow You fully, to trust You with all that I am and all that I hold.”

R| Reflect

It’s possible to live our whole lives without ever making an “all in” commitment to anything. So why would anyone choose to give up comfort, control, or reputation to follow Jesus? When it comes to discipleship, we often talk about being in relationship with Jesus and following Him, but what does that really mean? It means surrender, because surrender is where real life begins.

The call to deny ourselves isn’t meant to strip joy from us; it’s meant to set us free. To be all in doesn’t mean you don’t make plans. It means you hold them loosely, trusting God to direct your steps when the path changes. The more we cling to our plans and self-made identities, the more anxious and restless we become. But when we release our lives into Jesus’ hands, we find peace, purpose, and love that striving can’t achieve, and no one can take away.

Jesus never disguised the cost of discipleship because He knew that surrender leads to freedom. He didn’t present an easy path or promise comfort in exchange for loyalty. Instead, He said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” (Matthew 16:24 MSG)

That invitation to be all in might sound drastic, but “drastic discipleship” doesn’t mean dramatic heroics. To follow Jesus means surrendering our agenda, our self-interest, and even our illusions of control. It means choosing obedience over convenience, trust over fear, and love over self-protection. The call is not partial; it is total. Jesus doesn’t invite us to be half-disciples. He calls us to be all in.

At first, that may sound intimidating or even impossible. But Jesus’ words are not meant to crush us—they’re meant to free us. The irony is clear: when we cling to our lives, we lose them. When we release our lives into His hands, we find them again filled with peace, joy, and purpose that cannot be taken away.

To be “all in” means daily faithfulness. It’s a lifelong, intentional process of letting the love, character, and desires of Jesus come alive in and through us. Every day, we’re invited to turn from the self-centered way of living and embrace the Jesus-centered way instead. Sometimes that looks like forgiving when it’s hard, serving when it’s inconvenient, or choosing integrity when compromise seems easier. Each time we choose to trust instead of control (in the ways we forgive, serve, and stay true), we begin to reflect more of Jesus and become more fully alive.

To be all in with Jesus is to say, “My life is Yours. Every part. Every day.” It’s drastic, yes. And it’s also the only way to experience the fullness of life with God. To be “half in” or “all out” costs us that abundance of life Jesus said He came to bring (John 10:10).

A| Ask

· Where do you notice yourself resisting God’s direction or trying to keep control?

· Think about what it costs you when you’re not “all in” with Jesus. Does that way of living lead to the peace and abundance He offers?

Y| Yield

I choose to yield and turn over my heart to God’s care by praying,

“Lord Jesus, I place my life in Your hands.
Take what I hold too tightly; my plans, my desires, my fears, and my ambitions.
Show me how to trust You with all that I am and all that I hold.
Lead me into the freedom that comes from living all in with You.
Amen.”

E| Exercise

Think about what truly renews you spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Is it solitude, conversation with a trusted friend, or time in scripture? Write it down and ask yourself how choosing renewal might be one way of trusting Jesus with your whole self.

Add this to your list as another piece of your Sabbath guide.

R| Rest

Rest in the freedom that comes from giving your whole life to Jesus. Imagine the kind of rest and renewal that flows from trusting Him completely.

“Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?’” (Luke 9:23–25, NLT)

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10, NLT)

Deeper Reflection

Questions for You or Your Group

1. What part of Luke 9:23–25 speaks to you most today?
2. Why do you think Jesus was so clear about the cost of following Him?
3. Can you share a time when saying “yes” to God felt costly but also life-giving?
4. How does surrendering to Jesus bring freedom instead of fear?
5. What is one step our group could take together to be “all in” for Jesus?

Talk It Over