Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Matthew 4:18-20

 March 18

"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed Him." -Matthew 4:18-20 (NKJV)

It takes a great deal of trust to follow someone on a new path in our lives. We can find ourselves in real trouble very quickly. It takes even more trust to leave everything we have behind and follow a new path ahead into an unknown future. Yet both Peter and Andrew were willing to do this when Jesus called them to leave their fishing nets and follow him to become "fishers of men". Fortunately, these men already knew Jesus and admired his knowledge and unique gifts (Jn. 1:35-42). Because of the time they had already spent with him they were willing to take great risks and make many sacrifices to become a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, they respected what kind of man he was and were willing leave their old life behind even if it meant surrendering their lives to Christ's direction and control. When Jesus called them away from lucrative jobs to be productive spiritually, they didn't make excuses about why it wasn't a good time. There will come a time when Jesus will call each one of us to follow him and "fish for souls". Will we be like the first disciples of old and follow him immediately or be like so many others and make excuses about why it just isn't the right day or time to do so? When Jesus asks us to serve and follow him, do we know and trust him well enough yet to do so without hesitation? If not, draw closer to Jesus today. Get to know him better so you too can experience the joy and freedom of following Christ daily in your life

Prayer: God, Thank you for the privilege of following Jesus every day of my life. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Christ's way is better than our way.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)