I’m challenged by people like Elisha. When Elijah called him, he killed his oxen and burnt the ploughing equipment (1 Kings 19:21). He literally burnt his bridges. He couldn’t go back to farming. He had no Plan B. He wasn’t keeping something to go back to if following God became difficult or unpleasant.

Likewise, in Jesus’ ministry there came a point when many stopped following him because his teaching was “too hard.” “‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God'” (John 6:67-68).

Peter recognised God was his only option. Despite knowing all the difficulties of following Jesus, despite all the hard teaching, despite all the uncertainties, Jesus was worth following. He had “the words of eternal life.” The long-term reward was worth the short-term difficulties. Peter went on to say, “We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (v. 69). It didn’t matter that Peter didn’t always understand what Jesus was saying or doing, because he understood who Jesus was.

In the same way, I need to hold onto the long-term view. I need to establish in my mind and heart that I will put away my Plan B’s, trust God and rely on his grace, no matter what.