I'm joining Bonnie of Faith Barista for another Faith Barista Jam. Our writing prompt for today is:
How is Jesus placing the word “follow” on your heart today?
In order to follow Jesus, I need faith. I find it amazing that He is the One who initiates relationship. I read in Matthew 3:18-20:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers , Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Peter and Andrew were going about their normal duties making a living as fishermen. But one invitation from Jesus and ...they followed Him.
Matthew 3 goes on in verses 21-22:
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Once again Jesus initiates the relationship with James and John while they were going about the normal activities of their life. But they immediately left and ...followed Jesus.
As I reflect on these events, I have to be honest. Would I respond immediately and follow Jesus? Or would I say "Well Jesus, I'd love to follow you but I have so much on my to-do list for today. Could I join up with you tomorrow instead?"
Am I trying to balance my life? I have my morning quiet time. Check that off my list. I get ready for the day. Check. I go to work. Check. I come home and exercise. Check. I spend time with my husband. Check. Each day I follow a plan, the routine that has become my life.
But if I am to follow Jesus, He just may upset my plans.
I'm amazed by how often I hear (not audibly) a whisper in my heart "trust me". When life seems to be turning upside down once again, He says "trust me Debbie" and "follow me".
I know that He has plans for me. I know His plans are good. I know He alone knows what's in my heart. I cannot hide anything from Him.
So what do I do today? I make the heart choice to trust Him and ...follow.
I know that He has plans for me. I know His plans are good. I know He alone knows what's in my heart. I cannot hide anything from Him.
So what do I do today? I make the heart choice to trust Him and ...follow.
- I pray for His guidance.
- I pray for wisdom.
- I pray for His strength.
- I pray that He would open my eyes to see as He sees.
- I pray that I will not be so busy with my plans that I miss out on His plans for me
Blessings and love,
Debbie, such words of wisdom you have shared today...I just finished a study of Jonah and the big question throughout the study was What Do WE Do With Life's Interruptions..
ReplyDeleteIn other words, are we open to God changing our schedule and how do we handle it when He does?
You are so right...It's all about learning to follow Him and accept His plans for us even when they don't mesh with ours. He always has our good at heart....
This is a wonderful post! Of course, He is going to upset our plans. They are flawed and we will be lost if we take our own paths. So, yes, I ask Him for the courage to follow his plans for my life. It's easy to ask, but harder to stay the course. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteRecently, I've wondered about the disciples - what did they talk about over dinner with their families, did they pour over scripture on their own, when did they pray - that their hearts would be sensitive, ready for the call to Follow. Then I thought of the rich man who asked, whose heart was maybe newly stirred - and wondered that if the seed Jesus planted in him that day grew and he did follow:)
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about their call lately. I enjoyed your discussion:) I think I am more ready today to follow than I would have even been when I was younger:)
I am always convicted when I consider that portion of scripture. It reminds me that I often ask the Lord to follow ME, instead of the other way around.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!