Dropping the Nets

Filed in: Devotionals
Tags: Monday devotional

Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.
Matthew 4:18-20, The Message

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just drop the nets and follow Him. But fishing wasn’t their hobby . . . it was their job. It’s how they paid bills and took care of their families. And, after all, we know who Jesus is. We know that He’s our Savior. Did they? Ever wonder what their families must have said about them leaving business behind to listen to some guy preach all day?

I think I know some of the questions. I’ve been hearing them since I was laid off last Tuesday. “How will you pay the bills? Do you have anything saved? What are your plans? How are you going to take care of your responsibilities.” And the big one . . .

“Aren’t you scared?”

Well, yeah. I am. On one hand, I feel as if God has shut a door and opened up the doors of infinity. In just a few days, my plans have shifted, and I already have a week full of stuff to do. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, in both marketing myself and my writing as well as producing the actual works.

On the other hand, infinity is a big scary place. But I firmly believe this is the path God is calling me to. If I’m going to walk it, I have to drop my nets and embrace it with an open heart and busy hands.

Father, help us walk the path you’ve called us to with trust and assurance that you want our lives to show your good works and our good faith. Help us when we stumble and guide us when we are lost. Fill us with your love and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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