What is your “max cost” your willing to pay for Christ?
When you read Pauls letters, you never see him say, “Once it becomes too difficult, that’s when you can give in. The fight is too hard, go ahead, throw in the towel.”
Rather, you see the opposite in his writings, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” [Phil. 4:12-13]
So, have you put limits on what you can handle? Have you set boundaries on what the cost should be?
He has told us to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). That means ALL we have, laid at His feet. Whether that is enduring difficult trials and circumstances that come our way, disciplining ourselves to not give into the strongest temptations, loving others without our selfishishness, or selling all and leaving home to serve where He has called.
I know when I read the passage, I like to think of myself as someone who will pay any price; follow Christ no matter what the cost; but I was convicted thinking about all the times where, as soon as it became just hard enough, the doubts slapped me in the face and actually sounded somewhat better than enduring.
But this is what it is about; nothing can stand against Him, and the more I press into the One that never fails, I will win the battles and keep the victory no matter what the cost! He has purposely set before each of us exactly what we need to go through and can handle, only with Him by our side. [And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5]
Count the cost, give Him your all, put on your spiritual armor, and be ready to fight with all you have. He is faithful to be with You and give you ways to fight against the enemy, endure the pain, and flee from the presence of temptation.
[No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13]
This is the question I have to answer today – Do I trust Him?