I had what I believe to be a God-inspired thought yesterday, and so I wanted to share. I discoursed some of the epiphany in this morning's "Coffee & Jesus Devotional". However, I felt led to also share the original and raw journal entry from when the thought first entered my heart and mind. It inspired me, and maybe it will inspire you. So here it is, not in a nice little package like the devotion, but as I court-reported with my pen as God impressed it upon my heart......
So many days, I just want to drop what I am doing and just go fish. I long for the simplicity of being in the quiet, the still, smelling the stinky pond and fish stench. There's something meditative and therapeutic about trying to get a fish to grab my bait.
I can relate to the disciples. They left simplicity. They decided to give up fishing to follow Jesus and do something much harder and challenging.
When my motivation is the praise of men, I will always want to give up and go fishing. When my motivation is Jesus, I get the energy to do more and the drive to move away from the simplicity, to the amazing and much bigger than myself.
I will always have moments when I get to enjoy the simplicity. They're gifts from God that lead me back to Him and recharge me. But, my life wasn't meant to be lived in simplicity. God knows I am capable of so much more. Jesus knew the disciples were capable to change the world. What does He think I'm capable of? With Him, there's no limit. I'm the one guilty of attaching those and retreating. Who needs retreat when I already have victory? I know all the answers to these questions. I just needed to be reminded.
God has been reminding me of the call He has placed on my life recently. It is easy to have doubts when you're frustrated, tired, and up against a wall. However, life in Christ is not meant to be a stroll on the beach. It will always be difficult and challenging. Don't let that stop you! God knows you are capable of so much more.
Now, with that said, take a look at the cleaned up devotional I shared this morning. Hopefully, between the two expressions of my heart, something will speak to you.
“And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20
There are many days that I look at the desktop picture on my computer and think, “I’d rather be out fishing.” I’m thankful for God’s calling on my life, and I am grateful to be where He’s placed me. I love getting to lead people to light and truth. I think my random daydreams happen because the work is hard and challenging.
Fishing is simple. I can be out on a lake or pond and it’s quiet. It’s still. I even love the fishy smell that makes most people turn up their nose. It’s peaceful. It’s what I dream being retired will be like—not a care in the world, just ensuring that my bait is freshly stocked. But to be honest, that’s not what God has called me to. He hasn’t called me to the simple life. He’s called me to live for something much bigger than myself.
I can sorta see into the mind of the disciples. They were called by Jesus out of a lifestyle of fishing. Now, fishing was much more than a hobby for them. However, it is what they knew. It was a simpler life than what Jesus was calling them to. It’s impressive to see that the disciples left their nets and followed Jesus. Although, I have no doubt that they wrestled with the call in their hearts and minds. They were called out of simplicity to something much bigger and more challenging. Jesus had greater plans for their lives.
Jesus has bigger plans for our lives too. I must remind myself of that daily. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, I am stretched to do things that are challenging and sometimes frustrating. However, God has called me to this because He knows I can do it.
Peggy Carter tells Captain America before he ever sees an ounce of combat, “You were meant for more than this, you know.”
There will be days that I need to refresh and go fishing. However, I won’t stay out on that lake for good. Jesus tells me that I was meant for more. That isn’t to puff myself up. It’s a testimony to God’s Holy Spirit and power. He pulls the weak and the scared out of their comfort and uses them to accomplish mighty things in His name.
(Get your copy of the “Coffee & Jesus Devotional”)
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