following Christ is costly

Okay, I'm sorry to be a little harsh here, but those who think that following Christ is a cake-walk, have not a clue what is in store for them.  Look at the way Christ lived.  He lived a perfect, sinless life.  Okay, we are human, this will NEVER happen, but that does not mean that we can't strive to do that ourselves, right?  WWJD?  But, seriously.  What would Jesus do?  This used to be such a well known, overused phrase, but I am not sure if people really go the fact that this is something we need to be asking ourselves day in and day out, 24/7.  Jesus may have lived a perfect, sinless life, but that in no way says it was easy as pie.  He was persecuted, spit on, hit, betrayed, crucified.  He had things thrown at him.  He had been beaten, skewerd, tortured, beat down (physically, emotionally, and YES spiritually).  He had a rough 33 years.  So, what makes me think that if I say that I am following Christ, my life and trials are going to be easy.  Everything that Christ went through?  That was supposed to be me.  So, instead of having to endure that, He took over and let Himself take the blame for everything I have done to Him. 

In my life I have had financial struggles, relationship issues with both friends and family, school issues with finances and classes, sinful desires, self-esteem issues, and yes, I as well even betrayed my own God.  Now, saying that, this also provides for my life an amazing story to share with people who are going through the same things.  I am able to share what God can do through those areas of our lives that hurt the most.  That is an amazing ministry.  Whether we like it or not, God has called us in the ministry.  It may not be something that has ministry in the title, but ANYTHING you do is God's calling you into ministry.  I mean, think of rich people.  Think of the bank teller at your local bank.  Even people who clean up your garbage off the street.  Anyone and everyone is called to do ministry for God.  The struggles you have been through allow for that to happen.  Those struggles draw people closer to God because they feel like they are in the same boat as you are and your faith may be shining, or it may be in the middle of a trial right now.  Just remember, when you say that you are going "to take up your cross and follow Him" there is joy in the pain that we WILL endure.  I guess look at it as a blessing that you were chosen to follow in the footsteps of the greatest man whoever walked this Earth.