Follow Me

“Follow Me” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. - Matthew 9:9

Imagine, for a moment that He stands before you and extends His hand.

Speaking just two words:

“Follow Me.”

You’re suddenly faced with a choice – not a simple one may I add, but to either take a step forward and to entrust your entire life to the One who is calling you - to a road ahead that is unclear and uncertain, or to take a step back and stay in the comfort of what is familiar. That “familiar” road feels safer, easier and more predictable yet, ultimately keeps you from experiencing all that He desires to do in and through your life.

Following Christ has never been an invitation to certainty; it is an invitation to trust.

Would you accept that invitation?

While the future may seem hidden from view and the road ahead is unclear, would you still follow Him? Even if the journey will lead you into places you never planned to go? And even if the path appeared narrow, uncertain, and marked by difficulties you could not yet see?

Would you TRUST the One who knows the destination even when you cannot see the next step?

Or would you remain in your comfort zone? The predictable and what is in your control?

I know, I just left you with so many questions to contemplate.

We’re all tempted to say yes in a heartbeat! We all long to take that step with complete surrender and trust.. but the reality is, we fear it. The unknown is what many of us fear. To deny ourselves, and to take that first painful step of leaving behind all the blessings God Himself has placed in our lives.. just to follow Him.

This is where many of us begin to struggle.

How can we gain the strength to follow Him? With complete and total surrender while holding tightly to our own desires, ambitions and attachments? When we truly open our eyes and begin to see things clearly, we realize that the choice before us is not simply about what we are willing to give up, but it is about who we trust enough to follow.

Trust. That’s what it’s all about.

Do we trust that the One who calls us, is also the One who is faithful to lead us?

As long as we attempt to live between two competing loyalties, our hearts will remain divided. We’ll find ourselves pulled in opposite directions, unable to experience the peace that comes from wholehearted devotion.

But here’s how things gets a lot easier.

When we realize who our true first love is.

When Christ becomes our first love, the struggle between the two worlds begins to lose its power. Though the road may still be costly, it becomes clear which path we are meant to walk. In choosing Him, we discover that true fulfillment is not found in holding on, but in surrendering everything to the One who gave everything for us.

That is, Grace.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” - Matthew 16:24

Because of His love for us, He gave us grace. What once felt unbearable becomes lighter in His presence. Our fears are quieted by His peace. Our wounds are healed by His loving touch. And what we once thought was loss becomes the place where we discover a love far greater than anything we left behind.

For how can we not follow the One we love?

The One who spoke creation into existence knows us by name. He formed us with purpose, long before we took our first breath. When our hearts wandered, He did not abandon us. Instead, He made a way for us to return home.

When we begin to grasp even a small measure of that love, the sacrifices of discipleship are placed into their proper perspective. The things we once feared losing no longer appear as significant as they once did. Not because they have no value, but because we have discovered something infinitely greater.

The One who calls us to follow Him walks beside us every step of the way. He is our strength when we are weak, our refuge in every storm, and our firm foundation when everything else feels uncertain. As we journey through this world, He is preparing an eternal home where sorrow will become joy, pain will be no more, and every burden carried in faith will be laid down. This hope gives us the courage to keep following Him, knowing that He is with us now and leading us safely home.

Often, Christ’s call to “Follow Me” comes in the ordinary moments of life - through forgiving those who have hurt us, loving those who are difficult to love, choosing humility over pride, offering a helping hand, speaking words of compassion, or quietly serving without seeking recognition.

Every act of love, mercy, forgiveness, and service is a response to His invitation, saying, “Yes, Lord. I will follow You.” As we follow Him, His light shines through us, inviting us each day to trust Him more deeply, love more generously, surrender more fully, and become more like Him.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12