What does it mean to follow Jesus? Jesus tells in Luke 14 of the man that invited all his friends to a feast and each had an excuse. He then told his servants to bring all the poor and blind and beggars until his house was full. Many are called but only few will answer.
That is why Jesus said that you must take up your cross and follow Him. This means that you must turn your back to the world, be humble and follow His ways. Some will lose friends and even family and as Jesus says here in verse 8 that the cost can be great, yet the reward in heaven is beyond your imagination.
Paul refers to life as a race that you must complete even though it can be very exhausting at stages. Jesus said if the world hates you, fear not for it hated Him first. This life will come at you with so many battles because you follow Jesus.
Remember this: You are rooted in Jesus and you stand on a rock. Nothing can move you from His hand nor can anything destroy you. Take up your cross and follow Him completely. Fear not for the Lord your God goes before you. His rod and His staff bring comfort and He prepares a table in the presence of your enemies.
Have an awesome day.