I'm New! What Do I Do?Sample

Fighting to Follow Jesus

Staying Strong Amid the Battle

Following Jesus is the best thing you will ever do. That said, it is at times the hardest thing to do. The battle comes at us from many directions.

As we saw on Day 1, the devil comes to lie to us and steal the truth of God’s Word from our hearts. Yesterday, we saw that some believers experience resistance from other people. There is a third place the battle comes at us: from within. Every believer in Jesus will struggle with thoughts that have the potential to draw us away from following Him. We can get weighed down with cares, and our time in prayer and reading God’s Word may seem more like a burden than a blessing.

Distractions often pop up from seemingly innocent places. It might be overtime at work that keeps us from getting to church, or our kids’ sports games that conflict with service times. These things aren’t bad in themselves, but over time, they can hinder our consistency with God.

Even our own desires can draw us away from following Jesus. People who seek approval, achievement, feelings, or experiences apart from God are open to letting personal desires push out their drive to pursue God with all their heart and life.

If you feel like you’re drifting or being drawn away from the path that follows Jesus, it’s time to course correct. Get back to church, back to prayer, back to reading the Bible, and back to your family of faith — those who will help you stay on the path. Your family of faith loves you. Stay consistent with God!

Prayer

“Lord, may I not be distracted as I follow You so that my heart will not be divided from You. I am wholly devoted with all my heart and life in my pursuit of You! Amen.”