Why Not Us?

There are many stories of people who followed Jesus to peril, famine, hardship, and harm. What did they see or experience that compelled them to follow in this way?  What was their secret?  Or is it not a secret at all?

What if we had that same knowledge and understanding?  What if we had that same resolve?  What about us?  Why not us?  Is it possible to find and experience life like these people?