Why?
Why am I doing the World Race?
Why am I quitting my job and leaving my friends and family?
Why am I deciding to travel around the world while living out of a backpack?
Why am I leaving a life of comfort and security for a life of risk and uncertainty?
So many people have asked me these questions, not to discourage me from this decision, but to know the true desire of my decision to do the World Race.
And my answer to these questions is found in scripture.
As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fisherman. “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
Matthew 4: 18-20
This chapter in the book of Matthew is the beginning of Jesus’s public ministry and what does he do? He calls his disciples and tells them to follow him.
What doesn’t he say? Does he say fill this card out with your name, date, and when you were saved and turn it in? Does he say raise your hand and go to church once a week? Does he say get saved at summer youth camp and never talk to me again?
He only says two words. Follow Me.
Even though those words sound simple, they have huge implications.
Jesus called the disciples to abandon what is comfortable, natural, and familiar. He called them to give up their careers, leave their families, and let go of all their possessions.
And so I put myself in the shoes of the very first disciples of Jesus.
What if I was the person who was told to give up everything that I know? What if I was the man who was told to drop my nets and follow Jesus?
This is where we have to face reality, but we really don’t want to believe it.
Surely Jesus wouldn’t tell me to abandon my family, friends, and possessions. He wouldn’t tell me to leave what is comfortable and safe.
But wait, am I now redefining Christianity? Am I trying to mold Jesus into my image by saying those things? Am I trying to fit Jesus into my busy life versus trying to play a role in God’s plan?
If we just do what’s comfortable and easy, we are basically just worshiping ourselves.
When Jesus said follow me, he wanted people who imitated him, who conformed to him, and who looked like him.
He wanted us to drop everything, radically change our lives, and yield to the unknown.
He wanted us to follow, to go where he goes, and to do what he does.
He’s bringing his kingdom and the only thing he asks is: Will you follow?
And so I’m dropping my nets. I’m letting go of a comfortable lifestyle. I’m giving up the sense of security and convenience. I’m doing the World Race because that’s what Jesus has commanded.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
