The Cost

This is our daughter and her precious family..  Several grandparents have asked with incredulity, “How could you possibly leave those sweet grandkids to move to France?”

We respond by proclaiming that God knows what He’s doing; we praise the merits of Skype and dream aloud about travel opportunities for the whole family. But in our heart of hearts, the question sparks an accusation, “You must not be good grandparents.”  We’ve both had to wrestle and pray over this.

When we first considered moving to France, the thrill of being used by God overshadowed some of the costs.  Over time, though, the Lord has sobered and challenged us.

We are not alone in this adventure—that balancing act between the thrill and the cost of a faith journey. Nor are we close to perfect.  The writer of Hebrews lists the sacrifices of scores of imperfect men and women in what some call the Bible’s “Hall of Faith.” He exhorts us, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight . . . looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. . . (ESV)” (See Hebrews 11 & 12:1-2.)

Jesus’ own Words were recorded in Matthew 19:29:  “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. (ESV)”

The Lord has pressed us to weigh the cost of obedience to His call.

 “Will you trust Me?

“Do you want to leave a legacy of faith?”

“Do you want to give your grandsons examples of what Christ followers look like?”

Because of God's love for our entire family, we believe He will enrich our relationships with our grandkids, our grown children and others. We know that He has a beautiful plan for each member of our family.  Most importantly, we are convinced that the Lord is worth anything He asks of us.

 

What price have you paid for discipleship?

Here are some scriptures Doc and I have prayed through in our journey.
 
Matthew 28:18-20
Psalm 145:4
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Jeremiah 29:11
Ephesians 2:10
Luke 9:23-24

Proverbs 3:5-8

 

Our son, daughter, and son-in-law