“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matthew 19:29.

Have you ever worked for, desired, or cherished something, or even someone that was near and dear to your heart?  Most likely, we all can say we’ve been there. But what happens when God says… give it up?

Each of us must personally decide to follow Jesus. The rich young ruler in Matthew asked how to inherit eternal life. He asked Jesus, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”(Matthew 19:16b.

He assumed salvation could be earned, but friends, discipleship has a personal cost. “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Matthew 19:21. We know how it ends: the young man went away sorrowful, forfeiting eternal life for his possessions.

What did Jesus command you to give up? This reveals where your heart truly lies. Often, we make idols—“little gods”—of family, jobs, relationships, or achievements, attaching our hearts to them. Yet Jesus calls us to surrender these things and follow Him wholeheartedly. As He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24.

Will you surrender all to Jesus, or will you also walk away sorrowful, refusing to let go? God never said following Him would be easy; there is a great cost in letting go of that which you think provides and fills all your needs. But God knows best, yes, it truly hurts, and it stings…But He sent His Only Begotten Son to die on the cross for you and for me, Who humbly said, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42b. 

If Jesus died on the cross for us and got up on the third day morning with all power in His hands…what is it in His will for our lives that He won’t graciously supply? Surrender means saying Lord, where you lead, I will follow. I ask the question again: What has He commanded you to give up? The gospel hymn states: Must Jesus bear the cross alone, And all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for ev’ry one, And there’s a cross for me.

Humbly let it go; Jesus is faithful to His promise. “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matthew 19:29. 

Jesus promises to provide for our obedience in following His will, and His faithfuly promise reaches far beyond what the mere eyes can see, ears can hear, or the heart can imagine right now and forever- so give it up!

God blessings of peace and grace to you all.