As you follow Jesus into your neighborhood, He explained three things that might trip you up along the way:

1. Preconceived notions about your future.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him,
“I will follow you wherever you go.”
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests,
but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Luke 9:57-58

I have sweet dreams about my Neighborhood Cafe...

I’ve worked myself into many a tizzy over what I think God is going to do. “This is going to be great!” I tell myself. “I’ll invite my neighbors over for Bible study, they’ll all come carrying their mugs, and we’ll go home glowing. Let’s do this thing!” Violins play softly in the background of my chick-flick fantasy.

But Jesus cautions me. “Honey, you have no idea. They’re going to come carrying their burdens, and they’re going to go home with a little piece of your heart. You’re a prime target for a spiritual attack because you’ve just declared your intention to follow me wherever I go. This may be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done.” His soundtrack sounds more like Jaws.

When your future isn’t rosy, don’t be surprised—

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,
as if something strange were happening to you.
Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ
in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy
of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory
by means of Christ Jesus.
So after you have suffered a little while,
he will restore, support, and strengthen you,
and he will place you on a firm foundation.
^{I Peter 4:12-13, 5:10}

Following Jesus doesn’t always turn out like we expect. When your preconceived notions about the future are confronted with harsh reality, Jesus will restore you, support you and strengthen you. As you extend His kindness to your neighbors, you will experience “wonderful joy” as His glory is revealed in your part of the world.

You won’t find fluffy pillows to lay your sweet little head, but you will always rest on a firm foundation.

And then I think Jesus says,
“NOW let’s do this thing!”