28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:28-31

While the disciples seemingly bemoaned their present plight, Jesus let them know that there were certain rewards and hazards for their faithfulness and convictions. Of course it wouldn’t be easy. In fact, no one ever said it was. There’s a subtle teaching in the church that once you become a believer that your problems will disappear.

Experience has shown that’s when the troubles begin!

Now, you will have the Holy Spirit of God guiding you every step of the way, not to mention the Son of God interceding on your behalf, and who doesn’t want that kind of help in times of trouble?

Rejoice, Brothers and Sisters, that you have left everything to follow Christ. Rejoice even more of the rewards – and hazards – of this life in Christ.