God's Glory Church

“And now they left the nets and followed Him.” — Matthew 4:20

The lighting was reduced in the conference center. Several thousand students bowed their heads. The preacher said the consecration prayer, and then invited those whom God calls to serve in foreign missions to stand up. My friend Lynette stood up from her seat. I knew that she had decided to serve God in the Philippines. But I personally did not feel any desire to stand up, because I believed that there were enough problems in the United States. I wanted to spread God’s love in my native country. However, a decade later I moved to the UK to serve the new neighbors God had given me. He called me to something I did not expect, and my ideas about my purpose changed radically.

The Lord Jesus often surprised those He met, including several fishermen whom He called to follow Him. Hearing that they were to become fishers of men, Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed Him (Matthew 4:20). Similarly, Jacob and John left “the boat and their father” (v. 22). They trusted Jesus and followed Him into the unknown.

Of course, the Lord calls many people to work where they are, without moving anywhere. But in any case, we all need to look to Him and be ready to be surprised by new experiences and opportunities to serve Him in ways we did not imagine.

What impression do the stories about God’s works make on you? How did He surprise you?

Loving Lord, You call people to follow You in different, sometimes surprising ways. Teach me to hear Your voice and respond to Your call.

By Amy Buescher Pye