COMMIT

When life gets tough, it can be tough for us to keep going. We may start enthusiastically in our relationship with God, but our true beliefs and commitment are often revealed when we face trials.

When we first connect with God, we feel excitement. When we follow Christ, we feel His love and are encouraged by His word. We also may begin to cultivate His character and choose to love others.

Committing to Christ becomes hard when we are left out, made fun of, face temptation, feel rejection or like we do not belong. It seems easier to throw in the towel, walk away, and commit to an easier way of life found in the world.

Jesus meets us in these hard moments. He speaks clearly, “If they persecute me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Jesus is teaching His disciples and us today that commitment to Him is commitment to a cost. Committing to Christ may cost us friends, popularity, money, possessions and maybe even our lives. But when we commit to Jesus and remain in Him we are assured of life in Heaven and the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

We can practice resiliency by following Jesus’ example. How did He handle pressure or challenges? How did He interact with those who were out to harm Him? What does He tell us to believe when we are afraid or face the impossible?

“Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” -Matthew 26:39

Fixing our eyes on God and going straight to Him in prayer puts us in a position to seek and receive His wisdom, strength and sustenance. God gives us freedom to ask boldly and honestly, but with a desire for His will to be done. We also have the gift of the Holy Spirit living in us, who helps us in our weakness, intercedes on our behalf, and guards us in all truth.

The cost is great, but committing to Jesus from the beginning and watching Him move in our hearts and lives, is even greater.

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