Luke 9:22 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”.

DAILY READING Matthew 8:14-34; Leviticus 1-2; Proverbs 19

On September 24, 1988, one of the greatest races in history took place at the Olympic Stadium of Seoul. This was the race between Carl Lewis of the United States and Ben Johnson of Canada. Both men had been in bitter rivalry, with each trying to be known as the fastest man in the world. At that time, Ben Johnson held the title and was unwilling to relinquish it.
After the starting pistol was fired, Ben Johnson flew down the track in a world-record 9.79 seconds, and won the race. Johnson received the gold medal, while his rival, Carl Lewis had to settle for the silver medal.
However, the race which was termed the world’s most famous race, two days later, became the world’s most infamous race because it was discovered that Johnson had cheated. A post-race urine test of all winners, revealed that Johnson had taken stanozolol, a forbidden anabolic steroid to enhance his performance. Within three days he was stripped of his medal and banned from competitive athletics for 3 years.
In 1991, his suspension ended and Johnson attempted a comeback and participated in a number of races. However, in 1993, after winning a race in France, he again tested positive to illegal drugs and as a result he was subsequently banned for life from competitive races.
Ben Johnson later admitted he had achieved his title of world’s fastest man through the illegal means of using drugs. Though he had initially succeeded, in the end, it all came crashing down because he had failed to follow the right way to his success.

Proverbs 14:12 ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death’

Ben Johnson’s story tells us that there is no short-cut to greatness. In the race of life, only those that are willing to pay the price will get the prize. If you don’t pay the price for success, you’ll end up paying the price for failure. Indeed dreams will turn to nightmare, when the cost for achieving it is neglected.
Greatness doesn’t come at a discount, it has a high price tag, and only those who can pay, can possess it.
Every great accomplishment therefore is a product of a great price paid.. There cannot be a rise without a price. It is the sacrifice you make today that will determine where you will end up tomorrow. And the greater your vision, the more the cost required to achieve it.

Luke 12:48 says “To whom much is given, from him much will be required”.

Indeed there is a price behind every great success story we see today. Remember, no pain, no gain. We must therefore be willing to sacrifice pleasures for treasures.
Anyone who desires to do great exploits for God in this generation must be willing to pay the price of spiritual growth and maturity, which comes through self-denial.
Jesus said “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:22).

We must be willing to commit to a lifestyle of fasting, fervent prayers, diligent study of God’s Word and constant fellowship with the Spirit. We must be willing to sacrifice and not to compromise. If you play today, you will pay tomorrow. Let us not be deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.
We must therefore avoid spiritual laziness and consciously pay the price of walking the strait and narrow path of spiritual growth and discipline.
Though the strait and narrow way may seem a hard, it is the road that leads to life. Indeed as we diligently follow the path God has laid out for us, in the end we will surely see the glorious manifestations of His promises in our lives.

PRAYER: Lord, please enable me to choose the path of discipline and sacrifice, so as to avoid the pain of regret in destiny. Thank You Lord for granting me the grace to overcome spiritual laxity so as to pay the required price for greatness in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
There is something that God has placed within you that the world is eagerly awaiting to see. WORDBITE 222