As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
AT ONCE.
That last verse had never really spoken to me in the past, until I heard it again in a message at Hopeland Church. I mean, it's only 9 words, there isn't really a lot of conversation or story to go along with it. Just the facts. They left their nets. They followed Jesus. They left behind their whole world, their families, their jobs, everything. At once.
How did they do that exactly? No questions at all? No doubts? I can just see Simon saying, "Hang on a sec, I'm definitely going to have to take some time to think about this. Make a list of all the pros & cons. Talk to some people who have done this before, get their take on it. At the very least, I need to settle my affairs & throw myself a going-away party!"
Apparently, these men knew who Jesus was. They must have known He is trustworthy. They must have known He is worth everything they had to give! They must have known His calling was greater than anything else they had ever lived for or experienced.
That's how I feel about the World Race. I heard this message at a time when I was seriously praying & considering whether this missions trip should be a reality for me, or just a crazy dream. Was I really called to this ministry by God, I wondered. Did I have questions? Yes. Doubts? Definitely.
I think it's natural for me (& everyone) to shrink back in fear from God's calling. I always want to wait until I feel good about it. I want everyone else to say it's the right thing to do. I want the world to think I am successful & brilliant & just great.
How does God take you from the point of questions & doubts to confidence & faith that you're doing the right thing? God's Word. Scripture gives you the confidence to to step out & prayer confirms His working in your life. Simon & Andrew understood. They were unusual men, full of confidence & faith. So at once they left their nets and followed Him.
Am I a little freaked out by this trip? YES. But am I leaving for Ireland in July? YES. I know God's calling is perfect for me & I'm totally excited to follow Him!
