He says he cannot follow Jesus immediately.

He says he is willing to give up his life for Jesus.

He says following Jesus is impossible in every situation.

Obey Jesus now, even if it costs comfort or safety.

Wait until life feels easier before taking Jesus seriously.

Talk boldly about devotion while avoiding any real sacrifice.

Follow only when it fits your own timetable.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and delayed following you. I turn from my sin and come to you now. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord, and I give you my whole life. Lead me from hesitation into obedience. Amen.

Follow You Now

Lord, revive your Church so we do not delay when you call. Make us ready to follow Jesus now, willing to obey and willing to sacrifice for his sake. Turn our slow hearts into faithful ones, and let our lives show that he is worth everything, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your Church Quick to Follow

Give thanks for the desire to follow Jesus without delay; thank God for any courage to obey even when it is costly; praise him for making steadfast disciples out of hesitant people.

Thank God for a Ready Heart

Pray by naming one place where you keep postponing obedience, ask Jesus for courage to follow immediately, and choose one costly act of faith to do today.

Pray About One Delayed Step

Pray for someone who loves Jesus but is afraid of the cost; ask God to give them courage to follow, clarity for their next step, and a steady heart that chooses faithfulness over delay, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Courage for Someone Afraid of the Cost

Father, shape my heart like Peter's longing to be close to Jesus, but keep me from empty promises. Give me humble obedience, courage when following is costly, and a readiness to act now, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

No More Delaying

λέγει{LE-yee###LEH-yee###(He) says} αὐτῷ{af-TO###ahf-TOH###to him} ⸀ὁ{ho###ho###(the)} Πέτρος·{PE-tros###PEH-trohs###Peter} Κύριε,{KEE-ree-eh###KEEH-ree-eh###Lord} διὰ{dee-A###dee-AH###for} τί{TEE###TEE###what} οὐ{oo###oo###not} δύναμαί{dee-na-ME###dee-nah-MEH###I can} σοι{see###see###to you} ⸀ἀκολουθῆσαι{a-ko-loo-THEE-se###ah-koh-loo-THEE-seh###to follow} ἄρτι;{AR-tee###AHR-tee###now} τὴν{TEEN###TEEN###the} ψυχήν{psee-KHEEN###psee-KHEEN###life} μου{MOO###MOO###my} ὑπὲρ{hee-PER###hee-PEHR###for} σοῦ{SOO###SOO###you} θήσω.{THEE-so###THEE-soh###I will lay down}

John 13:37 — FormalTAB

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