bet you expected your life in Christ to be full of peace, love, and goodness. But did you know there are risks of following Jesus? When you accept Him as your Savior, you may face unexpected danger. However, the journey of walking with Christ goes beyond the good stuff. There are unspoken challenges that new and long-time believers need to be prepared for. But here’s the thing—Everything you need to face these challenges can be found in the Word.
Let’s explore the risks you need to know about when you accept Jesus into your life.
Risk #1: You Instantly Enter into Spiritual Warfare
There’s a misconception that you enter into Christ and poof all your problems go away. Truth is, girlfriend, you are in the middle of the most epic battle of a lifetime. Sorry to break it to ya, sister, but it’s true. How so? Well, we can’t talk about the Kingdom of God without also speaking on the unfortunate kingdom of darkness. Our Heavenly Father has a church, but so does the enemy.
You have an enemy, and it is 1,000% personal. Satan was cast down into the earth where he roams back and forth and up and down (Job 1:7). When you accept Jesus, you enter into the body of Christ. His spirit dwells in you, sis. Making God’s enemy becomes YOUR enemy.
Sadly, many churches are hesitant to dive deep into this subject matter, equipping followers with the tools needed to fight back. It’s TRUE the war is already won, but while we’re still here on earth, Satan and his minions will not ever stop trying to torment followers of Jesus. And by not knowing the tools to fight back in this spiritual war, countless women (maybe even you) are suffering unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Question: How can I overcome spiritual warfare as a follower of Jesus?
Overcoming the warfare is easy when you remember God gave you Kingdom Authority in Christ Jesus and the tools to fight. It’s right there in the in the Holy Bible. Remembering that in Jesus you are not fighting for victory but from victory, you can simply:
- Put on the Armor of God.
- Plead the Blood of Jesus over yourself.
- Pray every day about everything.
- Be led by the Holy Spirit daily
Risk #2: You Might Lose Friends or Family Because of It
The Apostle Paul said it plain as day that you will be hated and persecuted when you follow Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). It’s crazy, huh? He is literally telling the world that there are risks of following Jesus. And wouldn’t he know it, considering his own personal story.
It’s weird, but it’s like… once you draw a line in the sand to say, “I’m not being like that anymore… I’m choosing to be like this, like Christ, like who GOD says I am,” people start to look at you funny.
Makes sense when we remember that this world is the enemy’s play place. It’s why we’re literally told to be in the world but not of it.
Frequently Asked Question: How can I navigate changing relationships when following Jesus?
The solution:
- Understand the psychology of the human condition.
- Take any hurt feelings to the Lord in prayer.
- Heal your heart of friend breakups or fallouts with family.
- You’re Forced to Do One of the Hardest Things a Woman Can Do: Surrender
Risk #3: Surrendering – Embracing the Hard Path of Letting Go
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)
Oh, how we struggle to surrender! Especially in this world that seems to glorify the opposite. It tells us that women should be independent and able to do it all alone.
But truthfully, sis, that’s a lie! And honestly, why would you even want to live that way? The Word tells us straight up it is not good for man to be alone. “Man” in this sense is speaking of humanity, not gender. We literally need each other, but we need God more. We need Jesus because without them, where would we even be?
Frequently Asked Question: How can I surrender and embrace the changes that come with following Jesus?
The remedy: This one is as simple as just remembering what Christ did for you.
Conclusion:
The Risk of Following Jesus is Worth the Reward
There are definitely some major risks of following Jesus. You’ll engage in spiritual warfare, deal with changing relationships, and have to give up a lot of your old ways. But here’s the truth: the risk is worth it when you remember the reward!
If it ever gets tough, just etch this well-known verse onto your heart: “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.”
Remember, sis, you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way.
Jemese LaChel is a Christian trauma therapist, writer and speaker inspiring women on their faith journey. Follow her on Instagram @jemeselachel for daily encouragement and captivating insights into a life of unwavering faith. Join Jemese on this transformative experience as she guides you towards growth and discovery.
