"So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." Luke 5:11
Last night after school the kids wanted to just hang out with me. They knew today would be the day that I would be leaving for a week. We grabbed a movie and just cuddled on the couch together, eating popcorn and just being together.
This morning as I told each one good bye and how much I loved them, tears filled my eyes. For a split second, I thought, "Why am I doing this? Why am I leaving my comfortable home, my kids, my husband to travel across the country to a land I don't know with people I have not met?" And softly, God said, "I called you!" That's why. That's the only reason.
He called his disciples in the same way. They had been fishing. They hadn't had any success. Then along came Jesus who told them to cast again. The boats overflowed. The nets were full. Life was in an instant good! And that is when Simon Peter fell at the feet of our savior and said, "I will go! I will leave everything. Leave the overflowing nets. I will follow your call!"
"I called you!" It is what pulls me to tell my children and husband goodbye. It is what gives me the courage to go through customs, to fly alone, to live with people in a foreign land. "I called you."
I made a commitment that if He called, I would go. If Jesus whispers in my heart, or shouts from the rooftops...do this, go here, follow me...then I will obey. Nothing more, nothing less. Fear...yes. Anticipation of the unknown...absolutely. Courage to follow through because I know the one who has already gone before me....NO DOUBT!
What is He calling you to today? To simply accept His forgiveness and enter eternal life with Him? To step out of your comfort zone? To stay right where you are? Answer His call my friend! Answer His call!
Pics and video to come once we get in Africa! Not much to photograph in the Des Moines airport! :)Keep praying! I appreciate every single one of your prayers!
Jen
I'm always encouraged by your obedience! What a humbling thing to be called...first as His child, then to advance the gospel. Awesome! I think of the verse from 1 Samuel where it says, "Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening." Praying that you would have an attentive ear to what He is calling you to do in the next week in Sierra Leone. Love you, travel safe!
ReplyDeletegreetings from Iowa!! Just read your blog to pete and the kids... I know the Lords strength will get you through this next week which will be full of overwhelming emotions, grace and gratitude for HIM and all he has given us! we are praying daily, hourly... thinking of you so much! Ella's prayer today was "Jesus I hope aunt Jen has fun in Africa" :)
ReplyDeleteObey God and leave the consequences to him" charles stanley... you are a living example of this... we love you