All In?

Our church has been going through the book Radical by David Platt. He starts out by looking at Luke 14.25-35. Here Christ is asking us to be all in. Besides saying that nothing should get in the way of our following him, he says we're salt. If we lose any of the saltiness, we're no good.

Imagine him asking you, "Will you give me your best? Your very best? Your absolute best? Even if you don't know how far I'm asking you to go?" Of course, you want to say, "I will, Lord. Whatever you ask." But is there some hesitation in your voice or your heart, because you don't know what he's going to ask you to do.

In this world you'll have trouble. Christ told us that in John 14. Paul alludes to it in 2 Corinthians 4 & 5, not only personally but also for the whole church being battered by storms. When trouble comes, you might feel like quitting.

But Christ is yelling, "You promised your best, your absolute best! Don't give up! You can do it. Just keep going." And he's with you the whole time, encouraging you, exhorting you. He did this with his disciples who did not understand him completely. He stuck with them, even when their attitude stunk, got afraid and denied knowing him.

"Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid. For the Lord your God is living among you." He's right beside you or in front of you.
"He is a mighty savior." He'll fight the battles. You have to follow.
"He will take delight in you with gladness." It's easy to do your best for someone who knows you can do good work.
"With his love, he will calm all your fears." Don't worry. Keep pushing forward. Go all in! Like a mom holding you during a storm, he's right there.
"He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." When you cross the line, he celebrates your victory.

Zephaniah 3.17 (NLT)

Watch this excerpt from Facing the Giants. Imagine the coach as Christ with you. Remember others are watching you and how you live out your belief. Have the attitude that you can do all things through Christ...