One by one, the disciples were called to leave behind everything familiar and comfortable and to follow Jesus. He told Simon/Peter not to be afraid and that he would now catch men, not fish. Simon left everything and followed Jesus (Luke 5:10-11). As Levi/Matthew collected taxes from his own people, Jesus saw him and told him to follow Him. Levi/Matthew left everything and immediately followed Jesus (Luke 5:27-28). And so it went for each of the disciples. He called each of them, and they responded immediately! I can’t imagine how exciting yet terrifying that must have been.
Twenty-five years ago, Jesus first called me to leave my corporate job and become a housewife, then to homeschool my children. I responded with an immediate yes, even though I had no plan to do either. My husband and I were entering uncharted territory, and it was scary on many levels. At the time God called us to this assignment, we had no friends or peers who were walking the path we were about to take. We were alone in a sense, but we felt God’s strength empowering us, and we trusted Him, even though we didn’t know what the future held. God quickly sent us families whom He also called to this journey, which was great encouragement. Through the ups and downs of being a housewife and raising and homeschooling children, God has been with us and has always been faithful.
I don’t know what scary task God is calling you to. It may be to serve in a ministry for the first time, or to leave one you’ve served for many years. It may be that you need to move from one church to another, because your gifts are needed elsewhere. It may be time to leave your corporate position to start your own business. It may be to go back to school, or He may be calling you to be a housewife like me. Only you know what He’s calling you to.
My friend, Jesus has so much in store for you. Please let your immediate response to whatever He asks of you be a resounding YES! You will never regret it.
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