The Call

“And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:16-18

There have been many times over the years of my Christian walk when I have sensed the call of Jesus to do something. I don’t hear Him vocalize, but somehow, I still know it’s Him. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).

Usually, He is calling me to come away with Him for a while. The blessing of His presence always follows when I obey this call. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). I go into a quiet room and wait on Him to speak—or not to speak, according to His desires. I can’t think of a single time that He called me to Himself but that I ended up having that fullness of joy He promises. That experience is very hard to put into words—there is a deep peace and satisfaction along with bursting-out joy.

Other times He has called me to go forth and do something out of the ordinary (for me). It may be to go across the room and talk to someone. It may be to write a note to someone, saying something very specific to her. It may be to move forward in ministry. Or to make changes. Or help where there is a need, or give financially above and beyond the usual. I have been called to do all these things, and more, over the years.

The call of Jesus is irresistible, as evidenced by the disciples’ response to Him. Imagine it—Jesus walks by you, and you are minding your own business, living your life as usual, and out of the blue He says to you, “Follow Me.” To be truthful, I would have questions. But I don’t know that I would speak them aloud, for He has a way of making us want what He wants for us.

The fishing disciples dropped their nets and went. That is all there was to it. They didn’t go home to tell their wives that they might be a smidge late for dinner. They didn’t string up the fish and sling them over their shoulders to take along. Other fishermen were called, who left their father sitting with unmended nets, and off they went. Other men He merely passed on the street, and upon calling them, they went.

“And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him” (Mark 3:13). Has He called you to something? Have you listened? Have you obeyed?

Father, open our ears to what You call us to do, whether it is something simple like meeting alone with You, or whatever is unusual or uncomfortable for us. We know that in Your presence is fullness of joy. Amen.