And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake, will receive a hundred times more and will be given eternal life. —Matthew 19:29 (GNT)
Years ago, a friend asked me a question I’ll never forget: “What are your plans for the future?” I asked why, and he explained that our peers were all handling projects back home. He mentioned he had just finished his first house and was starting a second, yet he’d never heard me talk about building anything. All I ever seemed to do, he said, was go to church and talk about God.
I told him that I just wanted to follow God and His plans for my life. He replied, “Bro, wise up! People are busy building, and you want to carry God’s work on your head?” Then he said something that got my attention: “Look at all the people who have been doing ‘church things.’ What have they achieved in their lives?” He got angry and walked away, convinced I had no vision because I wasn’t doing what my peers were doing.
Interestingly, this conversation happened just as I had decided to finally accept my calling after running from it for a long time. I was asking God for mercy and another chance. It felt as though the devil was speaking to me through my friend, and it almost got to me, especially when he asked what zealous people had ever achieved.
That question kept ringing in my head, but I decided to focus on pursuing the call of God on my life. That was the last day I spoke to that young man. The lesson I learned was to know what God wants from you and to follow His will. Years have passed, and I don’t have a single regret because God has proven Himself strong in my life.
Today, many people share that young man’s opinion. They feel that zealousness for God is a waste of time and try to talk others out of it. Beloved, never give in to such talk. Being zealous for God is the best thing that can happen to you and the best way to spend your time on earth.
The benefits are beyond imagination. As Jesus said, anyone who leaves things behind for His sake will receive a hundred times more and eternal life (Matthew 19:29). The book of Mark puts it even more clearly:
“I tell you that anyone who leaves home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and for the gospel, will receive much more in this present age. They will receive a hundred times more houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields—and persecutions as well; and in the age to come they will receive eternal life.” —Mark 10:29-30 (GNT)
Did you see that? If you have decided to follow Christ, do it wholeheartedly. Everything you are looking for in life will eventually come to you as a reward. Praise God!
Today’s Rhema
If you have decided to follow Christ, do it wholeheartedly, because the rewards are beyond imagination!
Confession for the Day
Father, I am grateful for reminding me of the need to follow You wholeheartedly and not be distracted. I choose to stay focused and committed to You and to the work of the ministry. As I do this, the blessings of following You will abound in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
