How to Follow Jesus When You Don't Feel Like It

Let's be honest: There are times when it is really easy to follow Jesus, and then there are times when it is really difficult.

For example, when I am in a worship service and the song is powerful, it's easy to follow Jesus. When I am sitting on the beach, listening to the waves and looking at the ocean, it's easy to follow Jesus. When I am sitting on my back deck on a cool winter morning with a cup of coffee in my hands and watching the sunrise, it's easy to follow Jesus.

But, let someone cut me off in traffic; or someone get in the 10 items or less line with 12 items; or tell me about something that makes me angry, and then it's not easy to follow Christ.

So, how do we follow Jesus—even when we don't feel like it?

That's a great question. I think the answer is found in a hymn I remember singing in church when I was a child:

"I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back."

Following Jesus isn't something we determine based on how we may feel in a particular moment in time, but rather a daily decision to follow Christ—even when it’s hard. Emotion will not sustain devotion.

"Emotion will not sustain devotion."

---

 

Many times the breakthrough we want happens after we make the decision to follow Christ, and then continue to do so even when it seems nearly impossible, and others think we are crazy.

So, if you are having a tough time, it doesn't mean you are ungodly; it means you are human. The best thing we can do when we experience something like this is sing this hymn over and over again in our mind, knowing that tough times should not push us away from Christ, but rather draw us closer to Him.

Perry Noble is the lead pastor of NewSpring Church in South Carolina. Read more of Perry's thoughts on leadership, church, ministry, relationships, and current events at www.perrynoble.com.