Copyright Page
2016 by T. Suzanne Eller
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2016
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4412-3018-8
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations identified NASB are from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)
Scripture quotations identified NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified THE MESSAGE are from THE MESSAGE . Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Cover design by Brand Navigation
Cover photography by Petar Paunchev
Author is represented by The FEDD Agency, Inc.
Endorsements
In Come With Me , Suzanne Eller opens her heart to us, wrapping poignant examples from her own life around the biblical stories of the twelve disciples. Each chapter is a compelling invitation to follow Christ in much the same way these men did, putting aside the old and embracing the new. Heartache and hardship are addressed head on, and so are the joy-filled benefits of saying yes. As the author reminds us, Following Jesus isnt a charmed life; its a changed life.
Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Bad Girls of the Bible
We love to be invited. We want to be included. We long for more. Only Jesus can truly offer all of that to usand he does. Suzies encouragement and insights give us what we need to say the most life-changing, soul-freeing yes our hearts will ever utter.
Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of You re Already Amazing
Every once in a while, God brings along a book you desperately need. Suzie Ellers Come With Me brought a clarity and focus Ive prayed for, reminding me that I dont have to have all the answers... that I dont need to figure out which way to go. My only job is to follow Jesus. Hell take care of the rest.
Joanna Weaver, author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
No matter your age or stage in life, when Jesus calls you as his thirteenth disciple, you have two options: run and hide, or pick up your nets and follow. Take it deeper with the discussion questionsgreat for small group or personal study!
Christine Abraham, founder and ministry director of WomensBibleCafe.com
Having spent most of my life searching for home, I found Ellers words ushering me into a place of belonging. With kindness and transparency, she introduced me to a Savior eager to know me, eager to ease my burdens. For all who wonder if God knows their name, I urge you to pick up this book. Youll know within minutes that he does.
Emily T. Wierenga, founder of The Lulu Tree; author of Making It Home ; www.emilywierenga.com
Following Jesus isnt always convenient, but it is always worth the effort. Packed with powerful lessons from Jesus disciples, Come With Me provides an encouraging message of obedience and love that every woman needs to hear.
Ruth Soukup, New York Times bestselling author of Living Well, Spending Less: Secrets of the Good Life
Suzie Ellers concept of becoming the thirteenth disciple is gripping my heart! She weaves together a reminder that Come with me is still Jesus invitation today with thought-provoking teaching about the original Twelve who walked daily with him. The combination has left me longing to more fully accept his call.
Amy Carroll, Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer; author of Breaking Up With Perfect
In Come With Me , Suzie Eller empowers us to take our daily time with Jesus beyond those morning moments and to use Jesus words to create momentum for changechange that begins first in us, so that like the twelve disciples, we can be a part of changing our world.
Lynn Cowell, Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer; author of Magnetic: Becoming the Girl He Wants
Come with Me is more than just another great read. It is an invitation to transformation. Suzies book fanned my faith to life. It made me hungry for the Word, desperate for a fresh encounter with my Savior, and grateful for the gift of his presence. It will change the way you follow Jesus!
Alicia Bruxvoort, Proverbs 31 Ministries writer
Suzies realness and vulnerability about how much her faith grew when she decided to deeply follow Jesus in a new way is a shining example of how life-changing committed faith can be. Life-changing for us as disciples, but also life-changing for those we come in contact with along the way. This is an invaluable read for anyone who longs not only to know the Father, but to follow him wherever he leads, no questions asked.
Tracie Miles, Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writer; author of Your Life Still Counts
Suzie pushes her readers to venture out, even into the deepest waters, to follow after Jesus. This intimate look at the Lords disciples, woven together with personal experiences, gives an intricate picture of what a life led by him can be. Her story is rich, full of life and grace.
Krista Williams, Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 writer
Dedication
Dedicated to Kate
Heaven just became sweeter because of you
Gaga
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsments
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Michele Cushatt
Introduction
1. But If You Say So
2. You Dont Mean Me, Do You?
3. The Hungry, the Fatherless, and the Heart of God
4. Loving People You Dont Want to Love
5. Why Do You Believe?
6. Believing Big When You Feel Small
7. Living a Life of Thank-You
8. When You Feel Like the Chair Guy
9. The Fallacy of a Storm-Free Life
10. Living What We Say We Believe
11. Walking Into the Deep
12. Go... and Give
13. We Are the Thirteenth Disciple
Notes
About the Author
Back Ad
Back Cover
Acknowledgments
During the writing of this book, my husband, Richard, was diagnosed with cancer. Theres nothing like deciding to pen words about walking with Jesus only to discover that youre going to have to live them with gusto. Thank you to the people who wrapped around us during that time. Some of you showed up at the hospital at 5:00 a.m. to sit with me while my husband was in surgery. Others brought food every night for nearly a month. While I fully blame you for the ten pounds I gained (who can turn down key lime pie and peanut butter cookies?), I also thank you for loving us with casserole dishes, soup, and tangible hands-on love.