Following Jesus Will Cost You – But He Is Worth It

As my mission trip to Lebanon approaches in just one month, I’ve found myself reflecting on all that the Lord has already done in my life—and in the mission field. One story from last summer keeps coming back to me. I wanted to share it because I think it speaks so clearly to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus.

Last summer, I traveled to Zambia for the second time. After a string of long flights and the most cramped bus ride I’ve ever experienced, we finally arrived in Kitwe—a small, sweet town that now feels like a piece of home. I was overwhelmed when I saw how the local church had grown. Since my last visit, the number of believers had nearly tripled. It brought me to tears. I was seeing the fruit of seeds planted, and I could feel God's grace in allowing me to witness it.

On our first day of ministry, we gathered on the property of a new church that was being built because the previous one couldn’t hold the growing number of people. We prayed over the land and then went out into the neighborhood. We weaved through dirt roads and homes until we met two women sitting outside washing dishes. As we talked, it became clear they were struggling with addiction—alcohol had become a refuge for them to escape deep pain and past wounds.

Their vulnerability touched something in me. I understood the urge to reach for anything that promises to dull the pain. But I also knew that only Jesus satisfies. We shared the gospel with them, and I had the chance to speak about what God had been teaching me through Psalm 23—that He is our Shepherd, and He leaves the 99 to pursue the one. I told them He longs for them and that His comfort is the only kind that lasts.

Right then, I felt the Lord speak something deep to me:
“Following Me is going to cost you.”

I told the women what the Lord had just laid on my heart. A few minutes later, they walked back into their homes and returned carrying bottles of alcohol. With tears streaming down their faces, they poured it out right in front of us.

That moment undid me.

Not just because of what God was doing in them, but because of what He was calling out in me.

Following Jesus will cost you. It will cost your comfort, your control, your pride. It will cost your fear and your excuses. It will cost your "Plan B." And yet—He is worth every cost.

As I look toward Lebanon, I carry that same conviction. I don’t feel perfectly prepared. I don’t always feel worthy. But the Lord isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking for obedience.

So here is my yes, Lord. Again. In the face of fear. In the face of weakness. In the face of the unknown. I will pick up my cross and follow You, not because it’s easy, but because You are worth it.

To anyone reading: Whatever Jesus is asking of you, give Him your full yes. Not because you know what it will cost—but because you know He’s already given you everything.