EP 391: The Cost of Calling: What It Really Takes to Follow Jesus episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 20, 2026 · 25 MIN

EP 391: The Cost of Calling: What It Really Takes to Follow Jesus

from Equip & Empower Podcast with Christine Caine · host Christine Caine

What if the very thing holding you back from your future is what you refuse to let go of? Following Jesus isn’t comfortable, convenient, or predictable—but it is always worth it. In a culture that celebrates options, security, and self-promotion, God calls us to something radically different: surrender, faithfulness, and full devotion. In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks 1 Kings 19:1–21 and the powerful moment when Elisha burns his ploughs to follow God’s call. Through this message, you’ll discover why calling is not something you chase—but something you prepare for through faithfulness right where you are. This episode will challenge you to let go of what’s familiar so you can step into what God has prepared, reminding you that a life fully surrendered to Jesus is always worth the cost. ✨If you ever asked questions like… ● Why does following Jesus feel so costly? ● How do I know when it’s time to let something go? ● Do I have to have everything figured out before I obey God? Then this is for you. 💡What you’ll learn: ● Why you must let go of the past to step into God’s future ● How faithfulness in the “ploughing” season prepares you for your calling ● What it really means to go all in with Jesus—without a backup plan 📘 Want to grow deeper in a flourishing life with God? Christine explores this more in The Faith to Flourish: 👉 ChristineCaine.com/Flourish 💛 Download your FREE Episode Reflection Guide: 👉 http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk 🔔 Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching that will help you grow in faith, lead with courage, and live on mission for Jesus. + + + + 🖥️ SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribe PRE-ORDER Christine’s NEW book, The Faith to Flourish → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine 💛 For more great stuff, check out: LISTEN to Christine Caine’s Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine 📲 Follow Christine on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChristineCaine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineCaine Christine Caine is a speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. They also founded Equip & Empower, a ministry that is mobilizing people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Propel Women is an initiative of the ministry dedicated to coming alongside women around the globe to activate their God-given purpose. You can tune in to her weekly Equip and Empower Podcast to be encouraged by the hope of Jesus wherever you are. Christine holds a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very thing holding you back from your future is what you refuse to let go of? Following Jesus isn’t comfortable, convenient, or predictable—but it is always worth it. In a culture that celebrates options, security, and self-promotion, God calls us to something radically different: surrender, faithfulness, and full devotion. In this episode, Christine Caine unpacks 1 Kings 19:1–21 and the powerful moment when Elisha burns his ploughs to follow God’s call. Through this message, you’ll discover why calling is not something you chase—but something you prepare for through faithfulness right where you are. This episode will challenge you to let go of what’s familiar so you can step into what God has prepared, reminding you that a life fully surrendered to Jesus is always worth the cost. ✨If you ever asked questions like… ● Why does following Jesus feel so costly? ● How do I know when it’s time to let something go? ● Do I have to have everything figured out before I obey God? Then this is for you. 💡What you’ll learn: ● Why you must let go of the past to step into God’s future ● How faithfulness in the “ploughing” season prepares you for your calling ● What it really means to go all in with Jesus—without a backup plan 📘 Want to grow deeper in a flourishing life with God? Christine explores this more in The Faith to Flourish: 👉 ChristineCaine.com/Flourish 💛 Download your FREE Episode Reflection Guide: 👉 http://bit.ly/4gx1ZYk 🔔 Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching that will help you grow in faith, lead with courage, and live on mission for Jesus. + + + + 🖥️ SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/ChristineCaineSubscribe PRE-ORDER Christine’s NEW book, The Faith to Flourish → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine ORDER Christine's new devotional, "You're Not Finished Yet" → https://linktr.ee/christinecaine 💛 For more great stuff, check out: LISTEN to Christine Caine’s Life and Leadership Podcast→ https://linktr.ee/christinecaine DONATE to Equip & Empower Ministries: https://linktr.ee/christinecaine 📲 Follow Christine on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChristineCaine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theChristineCaine/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChristineCaine Christine Caine is a speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. They also founded Equip & Empower, a ministry that is mobilizing people everywhere to live on mission for Jesus. Propel Women is an initiative of the ministry dedicated to coming alongside women around the globe to activate their God-given purpose. You can tune in to her weekly Equip and Empower Podcast to be encouraged by the hope of Jesus wherever you are. Christine holds a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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EP 391: The Cost of Calling: What It Really Takes to Follow Jesus

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Equip & Empower Podcast with Christine Caine?

This episode is 25 minutes long.

When was this Equip & Empower Podcast with Christine Caine episode published?

This episode was published on April 20, 2026.

What is this episode about?

What if the very thing holding you back from your future is what you refuse to let go of? Following Jesus isn’t comfortable, convenient, or predictable—but it is always worth it. In a culture that celebrates options, security, and self-promotion,...

Can I download this Equip & Empower Podcast with Christine Caine episode?

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