At Once.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed me.
        Matthew 4: 19-20


I have been reminded over and over lately of what faith in action looks like.

On Sunday, the sermon was about Gabriel appearing to Mary and revealing God's plan that directly involved her (Luke 2:26-38).  I came away in awe of this humble teenage girl who willingly said "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.  "May is be to me as you have said."  She knew the consequences here on earth of what this would mean for her, but stepped out in faith to accept her role in the great plan of God to save the world.  A friend of mine wrote about Mary in her blog last week and gave me an even deeper look into who this young girl, favored by God was.

The verses above where Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him amaze me as well.  Jesus was probably not a stranger to these men.  They would have possibly started to hear about His preaching in the area, but who knows if they had actually heard Him speak. Yet without hesitation, they dropped, literally, what they were doing and followed Him when He called.

So why, when God calls or whispers or nudged me, do I hesitate? Why do I feel I have to get everything in order and make a smooth transition into what He wants me to do? Why do I worry about what the consequences for me will be at the hands, or mouths, of others? What makes these Biblical characters so different than me?  Yes, they were encountering an angel and the Son of God, but would that make a difference if an angel appeared to me and revealed what God was calling me to do?

Probably not, and here's why.

I'm a self-proclaimed "realist", which we all know translates to pessimist.  I am the type to over pack for a trip, near or far, just in case the worst happens.  I tend to get hung up on rules and by-the-book way of doing things.  I have what I call "controlled fun" and like "approved surprises".  I don't like giving up control, and yes, that means even to God.  Maybe all this translates to why I hesitate when putting my faith into action.  My head knows that God is fully and control, but to follow Him where I don't know the outcome scares me.

So now that I've aired all my little control issues that are keeping me from "at once" following God's call on my life, what are your nets you need to cast aside? Is it fear of the unknown? Afraid of people's response? Fear of rejection? I'm challenging myself, and you, to take one thing that has been held back from God and just letting go and trusting Him.