Lord, if the truth be known we struggle with truly understanding the ‘cost’ associated with following You much like the disciple You told in Matthew 8:21-22 to follow you and let the dead bury the dead. If our salvation cost You everything why then do we think that following You should cost us nothing. Lord, forgive us and thank You for being patient in our arrogance, selfishness, ignorance, foolishness, and ratcheted-ness. Thank You for never turning Your back to us and for not unleashing Your wrath on us. Father, help us to grow deeper in our faith walk and remind us everyday that discipleship is not an invitational offer we make to You rather it’s a command issued by You. Thank You Lord in advance for continued clarity, strength, and endurance. In Jesus name, amen!