Jesus went up to some fishermen and told them to leave their nets and follow Him. They did, and their lives were never the same. We've heard the account many times. But did you ever stop and think what that would be like today? These men left their jobs, their businesses, their steady supply of income. If Jesus came up to you today and said I want you to quit your job and follow me, Could you? Would you?
Often when we think of following Jesus we think of being a missionary in another country, or doing voluntary service somewhere. We gladly answer the call to "follow Jesus." We pray, "Of course Lord, I will follow You to the ends of the earth." We sing...
"I will follow wherever You lead me,
Wherever You are underneath these stars is where I want to be
I will lay down this old life of mine
I'll leave behind all the things of the world just to follow You
I'll be strong and courageous
I'll live my life for You my only King
'Cause You're my God through all the ages
Here am I,
I am Yours,
Send me"
But what if that's not what God has in mind for us? What if God leads us to the mechanic where an oversize bill is waiting for us? What if God leads us into tough relationships? What if God takes us into unemployment or a serious illness? What if God allows us to go through the unexpected death of a loved one? What if like Job, God takes everything we have away from us? Would we follow Him then? Suddenly the following Him part looks a whole less glamorous then it did at first. Are we still committed? In the moment when life looks dark and the future looks uncertain... when there are no answers, and it seems like God is doing everything wrong... will we follow Him then?
Can we, like Habakkuk, say...
Though the bank account does not prosper and there is no steady income,
though I'm sick and my health is fading away,
though the path ahead of me looks impossible and scary,
YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD;
I will exult in the victories God of my salvation!
The Lord God is my Strength,
my personal bravery,
my invincible army;
He makes my feet like hinds feet (I can dance)
He will make me to walk, (not stand still in terror, but to walk)
and make spiritual progress upon high places.
*Just some thoughts I had after teaching the Junior Youth Sunday school class today, and hearing a wonderful message on gratefulness.
