“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22)
Have you ever noticed the number of times those called by Jesus left something behind in order to follow him? Peter and Andrew left their nets. James and John left their boat and their father (Matthew 4:18-22). The woman at the well left her jar of water (John 4:28). A livelihood, family, and life’s necessary tasks—all left behind for the joy of following Jesus.
I started wondering, what have I been called to leave behind?
It has varied by season for me. I have been called to leave my comfort zone, abandon financial plans, and even leave people and circumstances that were once a part of my life.
What about you? What have you been called to leave in the pursuit of Jesus?
Friends?
A career you thought you wanted?
The place you called home?
Comfort?
Know this: what is waiting for us with Jesus is far better than whatever we might leave behind.
The disciples left behind fishing to become fishers of men—a job title of eternal significance. The woman at the well left behind her water and received the living water that only Christ could offer.
So my challenge to you today? Think on how God has replaced something He called you to lay down—something you would have called good—with something better.
Until next time,
Shelby
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