Adventurers

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers – Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew – throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living.  Jesus called out the them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.  Matthew 4: 18-20 NLT

Nearly 18 months ago I sat staring at a computer screen.  Open in front of me was the church website and a completed application for the job of Children’s Ministry Assistant. I sat there staring at the screen for what seemed like hours, paralyzed and unable to click submit.  The longer I sat, doubt of my abilities, feelings of inadequacy, and the memories of my troubled past surrounded me.   I knew God was leading me to apply, but I struggled to get out of my own way and let God lead me.

Well, if you have spent any time in Ekidz over the past 18 months you know that I did finally listen to God’s calling and the adventure that God has led me on since that day has been spectacular.  Like any adventure, there have been ups and downs, obstacles and discoveries, but the journey has been worth every moment.

In Matthew 4: 18-20 the Bible tells us that one day Jesus was walking along the shores of Galilee and he came across two fishermen in a boat throwing their nets in the water fishing.  Doing their job, trying to support their families and earn an honest wage.  Out of nowhere Jesus approaches them, tells them to follow him, and he would make them “fishers of people”!  Without hesitation, Peter and Andrew drop their nets and follow him. 

If you continue to read the story, Jesus keeps on walking, approaches two more men, James & John, who were repairing nets with their father, and again Jesus asks them to drop their nets and follow him.  Again, they also dropped their nets, left their father and followed Jesus.  Little did these 4 men know that they would be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

What would have happened if Peter had hesitated?  What if John had refused to leave his father?  These men didn’t even know this stranger asking them to leave their lives behind and follow him, yet they did it anyway.  By today’s standards, and I’m sure back then as well, we would look at these men as crazy people.

But when God calls we should listen.  When we allow uncertainty and doubt get between us and God, we are robbing ourselves of an amazing adventure alongside our Lord.  How many times do we read throughout the Bible where God promises us “Do not be afraid” “I am with you”.  God is calling us on a grand adventure and we should draw strength and courage because he is right there beside us on the journey.

It’s so cool how God works, and how his timing aligns in our lives. In our Adventurers classroom over the past 4 weeks our Bible verse has been Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and brave, I am with you everywhere you go.”    When God is with us, who can be against us?  Open your heart to where God is calling you.  Allow Him to lead you on the Adventure of a lifetime.

What would have happened if I had never had the courage to follow Gods calling?  Would someone else have stepped in and filled the need?  Of course.  But I would have missed out on the opportunity to align my heart with God’s will for my life.  I would have missed out on the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people.  I would not be as close to God as I am today and I would not have my heart overflowing with love for the children of our church.  By following God’s call, my life is so full and blessed, and this is my p for each of your lives too.

God is calling you on a grand adventure.  Don’t ignore his calling.  Don’t doubt your abilities.  Drop your nets and follow Him.  Adventure awaits.