The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30, Luke 9:51-10:12, Psalm 74:1-23, Proverbs 12:11
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
The Cost of Following Christ
By Melinda Douglass
Have you ever felt that this walk is not for the weak? I am sure if you’re reading this, your answer is yes. Don’t worry; you are not alone.
I remember feeling alone shortly after committing to God. My friendships and social life changed, and I no longer did the things I once thought were fun. I started making sacrifices, such as watching teachings online or studying the Bible instead of going out. It made me feel like I could no longer relate to those I loved the most. I realized that the more time I spent with God, the more I became like him.
There is a cost that comes with following Christ. In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “no man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God”, which means following Christ will require you to leave friends, jobs, situations, and family behind for God’s Kingdom. It is truly a sacrifice. Imagine being the man in Luke 9:59 that desired to follow Christ but wanted to bury his father and being told to go preach! While grieving the loss of his father, he was sent out an assignment by God.
This scripture reminds us that following Christ is not about matters of your heart but about God’s. We no longer operate in our will but in the will of God. And because you love God, you will sacrifice. The bottom line is we make sacrifices for the people we love.
I want you to ask yourself, what am I still holding on to that is taking space from my relationship with God? If you are unsure, it’s ok. Pray and ask God to reveal it to you. Once he does, ask him for help to let it go. The beauty about going to God and giving him our weakness is where we are weak; his strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
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Melinda Douglass is a Minister and Bible Study leader focused on helping Millennials grow a closer relationship with Christ, through fellowship and learning God’s word.God gave her a dream to create a safe place and a community for those wanting to grow in their Faith. As a result, she founded and is the lead teacher of Bible Study Amongst Friends. In August of 2020, Melinda was called into ministry by God while still struggling with the strongholds of homosexuality and sex. Learning about who God is and the demonstration of his love led her deliverance and full YES to walk in the purpose God had for her.Outside of ministry Melinda has a heart for volunteering, loves to cook, dance and is currently learning to play the guitar.
