For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:28-33-30

The true Christian walk is deliberate, not impulsive. The latter tends to act and react by emotion and feeling. The former has a purpose for everything that it does. Planning and reflection are necessary. We need to know ahead of time what it will cost in terms of our personal lives to follow Jesus.

This does not mean that when we see the hardship we then choose to not follow because we are called to be disciples. And after all, life is hard enough. Try walking it without Jesus altogether!

Discipleship takes structured planning, self-discipline, and deliberate effort. If we do not anticipate obstacles and struggles, then they will overthrow our efforts. Detractors and our own thoughts may mock us during these hard times. This means not only should we plan for adversity, we ought to expect it! 

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2nd Timothy 3:12

But don’t let this discouragement grow.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Discipleship does not mean that we will never make mistakes. Our focus should be on being more like Jesus every day. He is the One that has already overcome the world. We do not have to win the war. By grace, Jesus has made us more than conquerors! Our job is to walk like our Heavenly, loving Master.

There has been a lot of focus on revival happening in different places around America. I have not attended any of these events so they may very well be true. However, it is very easy to attend a “revival” and “experience Jesus.” It is a completely different thing to become His disciple!

Count the cost. Stay faithful. It is worth it.