Grateful & Generous 2-4

Imagine having the opportunity to stand face-to-face with Jesus and hear Him say, "Come, follow me."

That's exactly what happened to a wealthy young man in Mark chapter 10.

He approached Jesus wanting to know what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. He had lived a moral life and followed the commandments from his youth.

But Jesus knew there was something holding him back.

Mark tells us that Jesus looked at the man and loved him.

Then Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him.
The man walked away sad because he had great wealth.

It's easy to read this story and think it's simply about money.

But the deeper issue was what the man was unwilling to surrender.

Jesus wasn't trying to hurt him or take away his happiness. He loved him enough to reveal what was standing between them.

And that raises an important question for us.

What might Jesus be asking you to release so you can follow Him more fully?
It might be a possession, a habit, a priority, a relationship, or simply the need to be in control.

Following Jesus doesn't mean everyone is called to sell everything they own. But it does mean being willing to trust Him with everything we have.

Today's Challenge: Ask yourself: "Is there anything in my life that I would struggle to surrender if Jesus asked me to?" Spend some time honestly talking with Him about your answer.

Jesus, thank You for loving me enough to challenge the things that hold me back. Help me trust that what You want for my life is better than anything I'm afraid to release.