The Cost of Being First - Sarah Jakes Roberts

Main message: Jesus warns that being first or a pioneer carries a cost—believers will face a violent “sifting” or shaking—but he also prays and intercedes so our faith does not fail; when we return and cling to him (not to ourselves), our refined faith can become the bridge that helps others.

Key points:

• Being “first” often means isolation, unexpected attacks, loss, and a hidden personal cost even when the public celebrates the breakthrough.
• There are “preparatory tremors” or sifts before major shifts—examples (Claudette Colvin before Rosa Parks) show pioneers sometimes pave the way without immediate recognition.
• Luke 22:31–32: Satan seeks to sift believers like wheat, but Jesus specifically prays for Peter so his faith will not fail—Jesus’ intercession matters and is powerful.
• Sifting exposes mixed things in us (fear, pride, past wounds); the aim is to shift our trust from faith in ourselves to faith in Jesus.
• If we endure the refining (and return when we fail), God can use us as a “first shock” or bridge to help others; Jesus’ prayer and presence enable endurance and restoration.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 22, Hebrews, Romans, Acts