2025.07.13 | I Thought I Wasn’t Ready… Until I Realized Jesus Already Called Me

September 23rd, 2025
by Hope Community

_{^{This blog is based on the sermon from July 13, 2025.}}

I used to think discipleship was for “those kinds” of Christians.

You know, pastors, community group leaders, people who’ve been believers for decades or had formal training. Not someone like me, juggling work, errands, family, and figuring out my own walk with God day by day.

I loved Jesus, sure. I was showing up to church, reading my Bible (most weeks), and trying to stay connected. But disciple someone? That sounded intimidating. Who was I to lead anyone?

But maybe something is changing in my heart...

In a recent message at Hope, I heard this:

“You don’t have to be perfect to help someone follow Jesus.”
In our imperfections, Christ is magnified.

That hit me. Jesus isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking for obedience.

And when I think about how I grew in my faith the most, it wasn’t through sermons or classes alone. It was through people who let me into their lives. People who followed Jesus openly, even when it was messy or hard. People who made space for me, walked with me, prayed for me, challenged me, and reminded me of truth when I forgot it.

That’s discipleship.
Not just coffee and verses. Not just scheduled meetups.
It’s life exchange. It’s “Come with me as I follow Jesus.”

Over time, I’ve found myself coming back to the same quiet questions:
Who can I invite into my everyday faith life?
Could God really use me to help someone else follow Jesus?

These thoughts didn’t surface all at once after a sermon. They’ve been slowly growing—nudged by Scripture, challenged by conversations, stirred in moments of prayer and hesitation.

And little by little, I’m realizing…
Discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated or polished.

Sometimes it looks like a walk after church.
A check-in text. A shared devotional.
Or just being honest about what Jesus is teaching me… even when I’m still in the thick of it.

Discipleship doesn’t always need a program.
It just needs a willing heart.

Reflection

Is there someone in your life you could invite into a deeper walk with Jesus? Maybe a coworker, a student, a younger believer… even a friend who’s been unsure about faith.
Start small. Be real. Let them see how you follow Jesus in everyday life.

We were never meant to follow Jesus alone.

Find your place in community

Watch the full message on discipleship now on our YouTube channel:
(You’ll be encouraged — and maybe even feel a little more ready than you thought.)