Jesus never said that life would be simple. He addressed common people going through actual hardships when He urged, “Follow Me.” Instead of offering consolation, the call to follow Jesus was an invitation to trust. That invitation still applies to believers today, particularly in difficult times.
Following Jesus When Obedience Feels Costly
Christians sometimes think to themselves, “I have to follow Jesus, but I don’t know how.” These experiences often occur during bereavement, financial hardship, strained relationships, or unfulfilled prayers. Scripture reminds us that obedience is about trusting the One who leads, not about knowing every possible consequence.
Jesus used suffering as an example of obedience. He prayed sincerely in the Garden of Gethsemane and followed God’s plan, even if it meant going to the cross. To follow His example, we must choose fidelity when expressing our worries to God. In times of adversity, obedience may seem straightforward: keep praying, remain firmly grounded in the Bible, and choose love when resentment seems more convenient.
Trusting God’s Will When Life Is Unclear
Finding God’s will amid trying times is one of the most challenging tasks for believers. Scripture demonstrates that obedience sometimes requires moving forward in the face of uncertainty, despite the widespread belief that God’s plan always leads to clarity and calm. Learning how to follow Jesus includes learning to trust God when answers feel delayed.
Rarely does God’s will become clear all at once. Rather, He provides step-by-step guidance through Scripture, sage advice, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s silent prodding. Going back to God’s Word gives steadiness when confusion arises. His promises serve as a reminder that, despite appearances to the contrary, He is faithful, present, and at work.
Living Faithfully Through Daily Choices
Following Jesus is influenced by both daily and significant life decisions. Forgiveness, integrity, patience, and persistence are all examples of faithfulness. Little acts of obedience help believers become more spiritually resilient, enabling them to get through difficult times.
The inquiry “How can I honor Christ here?” replaces “Why is this happening?” when life gets burdensome. This way of thinking enables Christians to proceed with bravery and humility. “I have to follow Jesus” becomes more about surrendering to a loving Savior than it is about obligation.
Encouragement for the Journey Ahead
Keep in mind that you are not alone if you are going through a challenging time. Jesus walks alongside those who follow Him, particularly during difficult times. Growth frequently occurs in areas of weakness, where faith deepens and becomes more genuine.
I encourage you to look through The Mentoring Project’s free Life Skill Guides to further develop your judgment and wisdom. These resources cover useful biblical issues for daily life and are available in both audio and PDF versions.
Especially, the guide God’s Will and Making Decisions, created to assist Christians seeking assurance and clarity as they follow Christ, is a useful place to start.