Fish and Follow

Luke 5: 8-11
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”  For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Not aware of the activity around them, Peter and his co-workers cast nets through the night, with no results. Not even a minnow. The next morning, Jesus encouraged them to toss their nets in the water one more time. I can imagine Peter and his fishing buddies shook their heads, shrugged their shoulders, then threw the nets overboard with little to no expectation. When they tugged and pulled the catch back on board and the fish flopped all over the deck, they must have stood with their mouths open, in awe. When the amazement calmed, Peter and the other men acknowledged their faith, parked their boats, and followed Jesus.

In 2014, I chose a specific word to pray about and apply to my life. When I focused on the word ‘fear,’ I had no idea how it would play out. I had to push fear aside several times, including a major surgery and an unexpected move, pretty much at the same time. Because I gave my fear to God, he eased my anxieties and helped me through. This year, I’ve chosen the word ‘follow.’ This requires me to stop and listen, to hear God’s guidance and requests. I long for the faith of the disciples as they dropped their plans and obeyed Jesus. I can’t wait to see where he’ll lead.

What word would you choose for 2015?

Hold Their Hearts Forever

Matthew 20:20-23
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

There is a quote I like about being a mom. “Mother’s hold their children’s hands for just a little while and their hearts forever.” This old Irish proverb speaks the truth about motherhood. When my daughter’s were small, it was easy to hold their hand and guide them. But eventually, I had to let go. Even then I knew I’d never let go in my heart.

I can’t imagine how the mother of James and John felt when she sent her sons with Jesus. Certainly her faith was tested when they left home and trooped after a man that people hated. Yet she asked him to take them with him. She loved them and knew God called them to work beside this man who claimed to be the son of God. When my kids left home and started on their journey into adulthood, I worried, cried, prayed and eventually trusted God to hold them close. It was a challenge. I didn’t want to let go, but I needed to. I still pray every day for God to work in their lives, keep them safe, and cover them with love. I may have let go of their hand, but I’ll always hold their hearts. I learned that from God. He created me and gave me free will. He let go of my hand, even as he pursues my heart. Praise God for mom’s who guide their children to his kingdom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

What memory do you have about your mom or another woman who guided you toward God?