In the wake of devastating floods along the Guadalupe River, our nation continues to mourn and pray. As I reflect on my own experience—waiting sixteen agonizing hours before learning my twin grandchildren were finally reunited with their parents—I'm reminded that our calling to follow Christ and lead others to Him remains urgent even in the most difficult moments.
The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20 wasn't limited to the first disciples. Jesus's command to go and "make disciples of all nations" extends to every believer throughout history, including you and me. This directive forms the basis of our purpose as believers. But in today's complex world, what does true discipleship look like, especially when we're dealing with challenges like grief, stress, or exhaustion?
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ONE: A CALL TO RADICAL SURRENDER: JESUS' INVITATION TO FOLLOW
Jesus began His ministry with an invitation, saying: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This wasn't just a casual invitation to hang around a wise teacher or add spirituality to an otherwise ordinary life, though. It was a divine reordering of purpose—a complete identity transformation. The call to discipleship means surrendering everything: heart, soul, mind, and strength to the One who saves us. This level of commitment isn't something we generate through sheer willpower; it happens through our willingness to invite the Holy Spirit to shape us for the work ahead.
TWO: DISCIPLESHIP IS PERSONAL—BUT NEVER PRIVATE
Being a disciple is deeply personal but never private. Jesus' call to faithfulness doesn't stop with personal salvation. His call includes action: to be a disciple and to make disciples. We see this beautifully illustrated in Luke 6:12-16, where Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting the twelve. This reveals a profound truth: disciple-making is born out of intimacy with God. If Jesus needed to withdraw and pray before selecting His disciples, how much more must we lean into prayer as we prepare to share God's good news?
THREE: GOD USES ORDINARY PEOLE FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY PURPOSE
Jesus chose ordinary people—a tax collector, fishermen, a zealot—individuals without impressive resumes who were simply willing to say "yes." The same is true today. God isn't looking for perfection; He's looking for availability—hearts that say, "Here I am, Lord. Send me." Throughout His ministry, Jesus didn't just teach through sermons and parables; He walked alongside His disciples, sharing meals, journeys, comforting them, and correcting them when necessary. His model of discipleship was deeply relational. He demonstrated the truth He taught, showing them how to pray, forgive, serve, and suffer. When we consider our own call to make disciples, it's important to remember that people need more than just words—they need to see the gospel being lived out through our actions.FOUR: MAKING AN ETERNAL IMPACT IN SMALL MOMENTS
Making disciples doesn't require a pulpit or stage. It begins in the quiet corners of everyday life: bedtime prayers with your children, conversations over coffee with friends, loving your neighbors, or mentoring new believers. When we embrace this commission, our lives take on eternal significance. We begin to see relationships as sacred ground, interruptions as divine appointments, and challenges as opportunities for growth. We measure our lives not by productivity but by impact.
FIVE: THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS: LIVING WITH CHRIST AT THE CENTER
Jesus was transparent about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:25-33, He speaks of loving Him above everything else—even family and our own lives. This doesn't mean abandoning our responsibilities but placing Christ at the center of everything. Sometimes this requires stepping away from relationships that hinder the gospel, trusting God to work in those situations according to His perfect will. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This cross represents daily sacrifice—forgiving when it's difficult, serving when exhausted, speaking truth when uncomfortable, or showing up for others while your own heart is breaking.
SIX: GRACE-FILLED DISCIPLESHIP: A LIFESTYLE ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIPS
Practical discipleship begins with authentic, grace-filled relationships. It's not a program or formula but a lifestyle. Ask God to show you who in your life needs encouragement, guidance, or simply someone to walk alongside them. Share your life with them—meals, conversations, prayers, victories, and struggles. Don't underestimate your everyday witness: how you respond to stress, the peace you carry in trials, the love you extend to difficult people. Remember that sharing the gospel isn't one-size-fits-all. God has uniquely gifted you with experiences and a testimony that can powerfully impact someone else's life.
SEVEN: SPEAK LIFE OVER YOURSELF: YOU ARE CHOSEN AND EQUIPPED
As you disciple others, remember these truths about yourself: you are chosen, capable, called, and never alone. These aren't empty platitudes, but affirmations grounded in scripture and rooted in God's power and grace. We must speak life over ourselves as we pour life into others. Affirmations like "I am empowered by the Holy Spirit" or "God has equipped me for every good work" help reframe our thinking and ground our identity in Christ.
Let's embrace the call to walk in purpose, disciple with intention, and live boldly for Christ, no matter the cost. Even in pain and floods, we are never without hope—because God's faithfulness is greater than every storm, and His purpose for our lives remains steadfast.
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