I Am a Disciple

I first ran across this reading about twenty years ago. It continues to challenge and inspire me on a number of levels. When I think about our calling to be in the world as an extension of Jesus Christ, I find myself going back to these words time and again. I pray they minister to you as they have ministered to me on countless occasions.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast. I've stepped over the line.

The love of God controls me. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple
of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or back away.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning,
smooth and ease, colorless dreams, mundane talking, cheap giving, and
dwarfed roles.

I no longer need prosperity, position, promotion, preeminence, or
popularity.

I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or
rewarded.

I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk in patience, live by
prayer, and labor with power.

My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is the Kingdom of God. My road
is narrow. My way is rough. My companions few. My guide reliable. My
mission clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back,
deluded or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of
adversaries, negotiate at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of
mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up until I've stayed up, stored up, prayed
up, paid up, spoken up, for the cause of Christ.

I must go until He comes, give until I drop, teach until all know, run
until He stops me.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ

("I am a Disciple" by Ed Cole)

Gracious Father, sharpen our minds with such thinking that we may indeed be in the world as extensions of the living Christ. Strengthen our resolve, focus our hearts and make us instruments for your use in a world that needs to know the gospel. Equip us with what we need, reduce in us what needs to be reduced and, awaken us to the vision of life that you offer until you send your Son for us. Amen.

Randy Daugherty - Stephenville, Texas