A Prayer to Follow God’s Calling
By Lisa Morrone
Today’s Truth
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-18, ESV)
Friend to Friend
Long ago, in a faraway land…well, actually, it was back in 2006 in the den of my home on Long Island, NY…a calling was heard: “It’s time to write.” Excuse me, Lord, are you speaking to me?
What was I to do with that directive? I guess there were three options: 1-shake it off and go on with my life as is, chalking it up to a random, self-directed thought, 2-stall on it—put it on a shelf until a more “appropriate time,” or 3-put voice to it; tell my husband and a few trusted friends who would hold me accountable and then run, head first, into the great unknown (to myself) world of writing.
I don’t know about you, but I never considered writing as a direction for my life’s energies. First of all, my father, who had a masters degree in literature, told me throughout my formative years that I was an awful writer. Second, writing wasn’t how I expressed myself. I am a verbal girl through and through—one of my teachers once said I had verbal diarrhea! Seriously, I don’t even journal. Anyhow, you get the picture. Writing was never on my radar.
I imagine the same was true for the first four disciples that Jesus called. They were hard working fisherman. Fish, boats, and nets were their world. But leaving everything to become a fisher of men? What was that all about?
Reading through the Gospel of Mark I was recently struck anew with the lack of hesitation Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John showed in responding to Jesus’ call to follow him. The text states that they immediately left what they were doing and struck out on a new, unknown course. Did they even know what Jesus had planned for them? What it would cost them? Where it would lead them?
Given my personal dilemma above, I chose (with great trepidation) “door #3,” responding “Yes” to Jesus’ call for me to begin writing. Truthfully, this response was not natural, but rather a cultivated behavior, preceded by many failures—flat out “No’s” and a great deal of “Okay, but laters.” With six, published books, hundreds of Monday Morning Health Tips and articles, and a bunch of GIG Bible devotionals written to date, I am so thankful that I responded, “Yes, Lord, use even me.” His will has been accomplished and His name has been glorified!
Maybe you are struggling with the same feelings I had: fear of following and fear of failure, unwillingness to let go of certain things/lifestyles in order to follow, and the knowledge that I’d be functioning outside of my perceived skill set. If so, I would encourage you today,with your eyes trained on Jesus and with your ears attentive to His call, to STOP, DROP, AND RUN...towards His calling!
Jesus accomplished some of His greatest work through a group of men who were completely unqualified for their calling. I promise, He can, and will, do the same through you.
Let’s Pray
Jesus, I am humbled that You consider me worthy to be used—in ways big and small—to accomplish Your will here on earth. Help me respond without hesitation whenever I perceive Your voice calling me into action.
In Your powerful and equipping Name, I pray,
Amen.
Editor’s note: This content was adapted from the original devotional “Stop, Drop and Run!” from Girlfriends in God which can be read in full here.
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