Ready for the Future

Are you truly ready for wherever God is about to lead you next? Jesus prepared His disciples for a future they couldn’t yet see.

“He … commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised’” (Luke 9:21–22).

The disciples were focused on the things of this world, but Jesus had a completely different perspective. He wanted them to know that their lives were about to change. They needed to be prepared, have the right priorities, and realize that following Him was not an easy exercise, but a life-changing commitment: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (v. 23).

Some might have had different priorities. They might have desired personal comforts or pleasures, recognition or rewards. But Jesus warned, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (v. 24).

Jesus knew they might be tempted to compromise their faith or be ashamed of Him and His words. But He wanted them to be concerned about the day when He would come “in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (v. 26). Then all their sacrifices for the Kingdom would be worthwhile, and they would be rewarded.

Remember that God knows the future of the world and your future. He knows the problems you face—every trial and temptation. Commit yourself to Him without reservation and leave everything else behind.

You can trust in God. He is with you! Don’t give in to worry or fear. Have faith in Him, and focus on being His faithful servant!

Reflection Question: Ask God to help you see where you might need to reorder your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to “take up your cross daily”?

It’s a call to ongoing, daily surrender—not a one-time decision—choosing obedience to Christ over comfort, safety, or self-interest each day.

How do I know if I’m reordering my priorities around the wrong things?

Ask what you’d struggle most to give up if Christ asked. Jesus’ warning in Luke 9:24-25 points to comfort, recognition, and self-preservation as common competitors for first place.

Does trusting God with the future mean I shouldn’t plan or prepare?

No—trusting God and planning aren’t opposites. It means holding your plans with open hands and letting His will, not fear, set the direction.