Inconvenient Faith (Part 8)

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23

2013 marked a turning point in my faith journey. It was the year I was baptized in the Spirit, and the fear of God came upon me. From that moment on, I began taking my faith seriously.

I still remember a day shortly after my born-again experience when I was heading to the gym after work. On the way, I ran into Pastor Steve from Australia, whose teaching session I had attended the week before. He had spoken about using spiritual authority to cast out demons and heal the brokenhearted. While his message was interesting, it hadn’t stirred much in me at the time.

That day, however, as we crossed paths on the street, he immediately invited me to attend his training session that evening. I hesitated, torn between my gym plans and his invitation. But I decided to go. That night, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully, and what followed was a precious season of discipleship under Pastor Steve.

Through his ministry, I witnessed the gospel in action—strangers on the street receiving Jesus, hearts healed, and lives set free. His life modeled what it meant to live “naturally supernatural,” and his legacy continues to inspire me.

It reminds me of Simon of Cyrene, who was pulled from the crowd to carry Jesus’ cross. An inconvenient interruption became a holy invitation to draw closer to Jesus. Sometimes, what feels like an interruption in our plans is actually an opportunity to walk more intimately with Jesus. Perhaps, that interruption can even be life-changing.

Reflection:
What interruptions in your life might be invitations to draw closer to Jesus?

Prayer:
Abba Father, thank You for the moments that disrupt my plans and draw me closer to You. Help me to recognize Your invitations, even when they feel inconvenient. Teach me to carry the cross, even when it is hard, knowing that it leads to rewards far greater than I can imagine. In Jesus' name, Amen.