ByMany people naturally resist change because they perceive life based solely on how they assume things should work out. It’s sad because people frequently underestimate God’s ability to turn things around in their lives so fast, which is especially difficult for some Christians to bear. As a result, when God calls such people into ministry, especially full-time, they frequently make excuses.
In Luke 9:57–62, some people came to Jesus with the view of following Him. But they had excuses here and there. It’s the same going on in many lives. Are you like them, or you’re different? Today, you have to decide to give no excuse for following Jesus; that is, honouring God’s invitation for you to follow Him (His plan for you). However, before that, view the scripture below.
[57] Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
Luke 9:57-62 (NKJV)
[58] And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
[59] Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
[60] Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
[61] And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
[62] But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
God already had a plan for you before bringing you to the earth.
Not all Dads have complete plans for their children’s lives. But every good father foresees his children’s future, plan and invest in it from the present. How much more God for each of His children? He knew you even before conception and had a plan for your life (see Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11). He purposed you to walk in good works when you come to Christ (see Ephesians 2:10).
However, all these possibilities in your life are hidden in God. So to know your purpose, which is the plans of God for you, be determined to get closer to God. As He keeps giving you meaning to life, there will be no fear of loss in giving up on your personal ambition to follow Jesus.
In fact, following God will benefit you extraordinarily and increase your value in His kingdom; because people will depend on you to know Him.
God will send visionary people across your path in life
Peter was a fisherman until Jesus appeared. He didn’t know he was ordained to be a preacher in Christ until Jesus – the man of vision, showed up. Some people’s destinies are connected to others. But will only come to bear when men of vision rise in God’s kingdom.
Not everyone is called to start something new; some are called to help others build upon a corporate vision. Moreover, some are also called to continue what others had started.
Therefore, as a leader, do not worry about how help will come or how to get people to help you with your vision. Just press on to build upon that vision. And at the right time, the Lord will send you help from Zion – both financial-wise and human resource-wise. Do not give up on whatever you are called to do despite the storms you’re facing today.
Moreover, as a team member or follower of a person in Christ with a corporate vision, follow the ways of the Lord you’re being taught keenly. Hold on to your faith in the Lord and pray persistently. You’ll develop spiritually and emerge as a great person in Christ.
Leave behind excuses, even tangible ones
Your biological family can limit where God is taking you if you allow them to meddle too much with God’s calling upon your life. Especially if they are not much grounded in the faith, you might be discouraged by what they say or how they behave whenever you talk about what God has told you to do with them.
When Jesus told Peter and his friends to follow Him, they didn’t consider saying goodbye to their families before obeying Him. God always has the final say in your life despite the numerous options that will always get placed ahead of you as you live. Listen to the brethren and family. But don’t allow their disagreement with what God has told you to do to distract you from following His plan for your life as you follow Him.
If you live according to what people say, you can never live to be the person God wants you to be.
Don’t look back
The word of God says in Luke 9:62 that “no one who looks back after putting your hand in the plough is worthy of the kingdom of God.”
That means, when you sign up to follow Jesus, don’t allow difficulties, uncertainties in your life’s direction, and people’s opinions to make you stop doing what He commissioned you to do. They didn’t call you; God did, and hence do not allow these people, out of concern, to prevent you from blessing the lives of others with His purpose for you.
I grew up to realise that in our society, whether you do good or bad, people will always criticise you. Therefore, if you live according to what people say, you can never live to be the person God wants you to be. It’s hard for people to accept this truth. Nevertheless, God is the one who called you, and so whatever you do is for His glory. People might be there to help you when you need them. But don’t allow them to interfere with your divine mandate.
Dear friend, finding your purpose and achieving it is the most fulfilling thing you can ever live for. And the only way to do that is to get in touch with God consistently. It is better to fulfil your purpose in life at a younger age than to realise it at an older age because you’ll have more years ahead of you to labour effectively and diligently. Give no excuse for following Jesus and fulfilling the call of God upon your life.
