Worth the Trade

Have you ever made a trade that didn’t exactly go in your favor? Like swapping your cookie with your kid for a half-eaten pickle. Well, today we’re talking about the ultimate trade-off—what it really means to trade our way for God's way.

Jesus said if we want to follow Him, we’ve got to take up our cross and let go of our grip on what we think life should be. It’s a bold move… but one that leads to real life, real purpose, and real joy.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NLT)“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

Control freaks, where are you at? It’s okay—you’re in good company. This hour, we’re talking about what it looks like to give up our need to control the plan—because let’s be real, the more we try to run the show, the more exhausted we get. And Jesus offers a better way.

I remember this one particular time in college when I tried to control a certain situation, and it totally backfired—big time. That was an eye-opener for me. God really showed me the error of my ways. It changed me, but I still didn’t hand everything over to Him and let Him be in control.

Years later is when God changed my heart in the matter of control, and I was able to release so much to Him and realize that His way is, in fact, better.

I’ve said this many times, but we tend to think of surrendering as waving the white flag and backing away. But in God’s Kingdom, surrender is actually a win. Giving up control doesn’t mean failure—it means freedom.

It isn’t until we go through the surrender we need to that we truly understand what this kind of freedom means or feels like.

Choosing Jesus means walking away from some things—but into something so much better. We just have to trust and know that Jesus is there with us.

What’s one thing you keep trying to control that you could hand over to God today?

Identify one habit or mindset that’s keeping you from growing, and take a step away from it.

Ever feel like the world is yelling, “You can have it all!” while your soul is whispering, “But I don’t want it all”? The world’s version of success can look good but leave us empty.

Companies often make the new version of something seem like it’s going to be so much better than what we already have… those commercials can be enticing… but then let’s say we get the new version, and we realize there actually isn’t much different at all. We wanted the new thing because this meant that maybe it could answer some issues we were having, but the new really didn’t help.

Our culture sells temporary thrills. But Jesus offers eternal peace. What a trade, right?

Are you chasing something that is not actually fulfilling?

Don’t let the illusion of having it all control your wants.

We’re diving into what it costs to follow Jesus—and why it’s still the best deal going. Yes, it’s hard. But the reward? Oh, it’s good.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NLT) “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

Jesus never promised ease, but He promised He’d be with us. There’s a reason “cross” is in the job description—yet what we gain is peace, presence, and purpose.

Where have you seen God work in the middle of something hard?

Our emotions are loud, but they’re not always truthful. Very true. Our perception and understanding of something can be so off, and we need to learn to lean on the Lord, remember what He says, and trust Him. In that, we are better equipped to choose obedience over comfort, even when it doesn’t “feel” right.

Make a playlist or list of promises from Scripture to remind you of truth when feelings get fuzzy.

Do you find that your decisions are driven more by faith or by feelings?

If it’s feelings, let God in and help change that to having stronger faith in Him.

There is joy in following Jesus and allowing Him to fully take the wheel.

The further you go on your journey with Him in the driver’s seat, the more He lights up the joy in your heart. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is joy, and the more we learn to walk and cultivate those fruits, the more we walk them out in our lives.

When was the last time your faith made you smile?

Make the choice to let the joy of the Lord be your strength and run through you so that you are just overflowing with His fruits.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NLT)“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

Whether you’ve been following Jesus for years or you’re just curious, the invitation still stands: take up your cross and follow. It’s personal. It’s powerful. It’s for you.

We’re all following fame, comfort, social media trends. But only Jesus leads to life.

Who (or what) is shaping your path right now?

Jesus is always offering a better way when we’re off course.

Discipleship isn’t a one-time yes—it’s a daily one. Some days it’s bold; other days it’s quiet faithfulness.

I’ve been reading the book I Surrender All by Priscilla Shirer, and it is about discipleship. Now, this book covers a lot of what I already know from growing up in the church, but it is being presented in a new light. When we read the Bible, we often get to the stories we have heard or read about the most and we kind of skim over them… but what if, in that story, this time you pay attention to it in a new way? The Bible is life-giving all the time. So as you learn and grow and learn how to be a follower of Christ daily—a disciple—seek Him out in everything and in a new way.

Track the small changes you make and see how it changes how you follow Christ.

Let’s be honest: there are days when carrying that cross feels too heavy. But Jesus didn’t leave us alone in it.

So, when you are struggling, ask yourself this question: Is what you’re living for worth what you’re giving up?

You might lose comfort, but you gain Christ. And that trade? It is totally worth it.

Today we talked about the biggest trade you’ll ever make—your way for His. It sounds risky. But friend, there’s no greater reward. When you give up the chase for the world and run after Jesus instead, you don’t lose—you gain everything.

You can’t follow Jesus and stay where you are. But when you move with Him, you step into a life that’s worth every trade.