“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Luke 9:57-58)

     Jesus responds to the man who wants to follow him, warning him that he would endure some hardships, perhaps more than he had experienced before his life with Jesus.  He also responds to two other people, not sugarcoating the life they will experience in following him.  The lesson behind this is that the Christian life is not guaranteed to be easy.  Comfort, in a physical sense, will not always be found.  We are asked to put Jesus above our worldly possessions, and also above our relationships.

     This isn’t the only time that Jesus issues these kinds of warnings.  In Mark 13, Jesus goes into further detail with his disciples, but he has a comforting statement in the midst of it, “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13)

     Standing firm in our faith is the key.  While we are far from exempt from troubles, the way of life Jesus provides for us will give us the hope, joy, peace, and love which the world cannot provide.  Let’s stand firm in our beliefs, because the Lord is faithful in all that he provides for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to stay encouraged in my walk with you.  Pick me up when I am down and remind me of the present and future blessings which come from you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.