Follow Me
Sunday we explored Matthew's Gospel regarding Jesus saying "follow me." The first disciples lived in a fishing port on the Sea of Galilee called Capernaum. Matthew says "immediately" they left their boats and town and families and followed Jesus. The boat represents where you and I are living now. The comfortable and predictable place we call home. Jesus can be a danger to our routine, its comfort and predictability. How does one discern if Jesus is calling them? Here are a few guideposts:
- Have you felt a stirring, a pesky repeating of a path you may want to follow?
- Have you found yourself unsettled or unsatisfied or unfulfilled with your current comfortable 'boat'?
- Would you feel a joy in making a sacrifice in response to Jesus' sacrifice for you?
- Is there a particular societal problem, local, national or global that continues to sadden and frustrate you?
These are symptomatic of being called by Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. When this is happening to us we often ask what we can do next to open lines of communication between God and ourselves. Here are some suggestions:
- The first place to start this process is praying for discernment. That prayer can be as simple as "Hey, Jesus! Are you asking me to do something?
- The second step is discussion with that special person in your life who will help and support you, who knows you and respects your discernment.
- A third step can include a discussion with a pastor or spiritual mentor who can listen carefully and add their prayers to your journey.
- A fourth step requires patience. God operates in God's time which rarely matches time as we understand it. Answers can come slowly.
If I can be of any assistance please call. I would consider it a privilege to be a part of your calling!