What do I leave behind?

Welcome again to Holy Week on A Miracle Every Day!   

I was working in my office a few weeks ago when a co-worker knocked on my door and said, “Follow me.” My first thought was not “yes”. I had work to do. But, the look in their eye told me something special was going on. I followed my friend to the lobby and standing there were two of my favorite family members. If I had refused to follow, I would have missed out on a sweet family reunion. I did have to leave my work behind, but it was so worth it.

I love the calling of the disciples as the Bible describes it. Just as I was working in my office that day, the disciples were working on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and then, Jesus interrupted their day and the rest of their lives:

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-20, NIV) 

Can you imagine that? A man you do not know shows up, invites you to go and fish for PEOPLE and you say “yes”! Wow! There must have been something very compelling about Jesus for the disciples to say “yes” so quickly and so completely.

friend, here is my question, which I pray is from the Holy Spirit, “What do you need to leave behind today?” The Bible says that in order to say “yes” to God’s call, the disciples left behind the tools of their trade (the nets) and their family business. This was a high cost, but I would like you to consider some other parts of life you can leave behind. What would change in your life if you left fear, insecurity, anger or pride behind today? What about leaving behind shame, doubt, apathy or greed? In leaving those negative parts of your life, you can say “yes” to God’s provision of courage, security, joy, humility, confidence, activity and generosity!

I want to remind you again, miracles happen when people say “Yes” to God!

Today, friend, your “yes” to leaving the negative behind is also a “yes” to God’s abundant life! The calling of the disciples was a call into a whole new world of following Jesus. Jesus invites you today with the same invitation He extended to the disciples —follow ME and you will see the miracles of healing, restoration and resurrection! It all starts with saying “yes” to God.

Never forget my friend…

You are a miracle!