Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

There comes a time in every life when the weight of a choice becomes undeniable. You recognize that every moment counts, that your time and energy are not infinite resources. And in that moment, you begin to see something sobering but true: even indecision is a decision.

We often think that putting things off or staying where we are is harmless. But the truth is, doing nothing still does something. It shapes your future just as much as taking action. Silence is a voice. Delay is a direction. And passivity has a price.

Every yes we say is a no to something else. Every moment we hesitate is a moment we could have stepped into something greater. And sometimes, the greatest risk is not moving at all.

Some choices have obvious costs—financial, relational, emotional. But others are subtle. They don’t show up right away. They look like playing it safe… until we realize we’ve played it small. And by the time we notice, the opportunity has passed us by.

The question isn’t if your choices will cost you—it’s what they’ll cost you.
And the longer we delay obedience to what God is calling us to do, the more expensive that delay becomes.

Jesus framed it perfectly in Luke 14:28-30:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?”

This wasn’t a construction lesson—it was a call to intentional discipleship. Jesus was making it clear: following Him will cost something. But when you weigh that cost against the reward of walking in His purpose and presence, there is no comparison.

Think of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-22. He had a moment most people dream of—a personal encounter with Jesus and a clear invitation: “Come, follow Me.” But he walked away—not because he was rejected, but because he wasn’t ready to let go of what was temporary in order to embrace what was eternal. That’s the hidden cost of indecision. It whispers, “Maybe later,” while robbing us of what God wants to do right now.

James 1:8 warns,

“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

If you don’t settle it in your spirit that you’re going all in with God, you’ll live at the mercy of opinions, fears, and circumstances. But God hasn’t called you to a life of wavering—He’s called you to a life of faith and focus.

This world will always present easier options—shortcuts, compromises, counterfeit comforts. But Romans 12:2 urges:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
That kind of transformation begins with surrender. And it’s fueled by obedience—especially when it costs us something.

If you want a life of purpose, you have to live with eternity in view.
As 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reminds us:

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen… For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

So how do we live like that—on purpose, no matter the cost?

Here are some practical steps:

• Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer – Don’t take a single step without asking the One who holds tomorrow (James 1:5).
• Study Scripture for Clarity – God’s Word isn’t just information; it’s revelation (Psalm 119:105).
• Act with Courage and Faith – Obey even when the outcome is uncertain. God is in the unknown (Joshua 1:9).
• Evaluate Your Priorities – Don’t just ask, “Is this good?” Ask, “Does this glorify God?” (Matthew 6:33).
• Learn from Your Mistakes – Failure isn’t final—it’s often the first step toward wisdom (Romans 8:28).

The cross isn’t just something Jesus carried—it’s something we are called to carry.
In Matthew 16:24-26, Jesus says:

“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Me.”
That’s not a call to misery. It’s a call to meaning. A life marked by eternal impact.

Jim Elliot, the missionary martyred for his faith, said:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
In other words, heaven’s rewards far outweigh earth’s sacrifices.

So today, take an honest look inward:

• Where are you hesitating?
• What is your indecision costing you?
• What eternal purpose might you be forfeiting for temporary comfort?

Don’t just count the cost—pay it. Because Jesus is worth it.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling us beyond comfort into a life of eternal purpose. Help us not to shrink back when the cost feels high, but to step forward with courage, knowing that obedience to You is never wasted. Give us clarity when the path is unclear, strength when we feel weak, and boldness to pursue the calling You’ve placed on our lives. Teach us to trust You more than we trust our own understanding. May we live not for the temporary, but for the eternal—fully surrendered, fully committed, fully alive.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.