“With this one lifetime, I am called to follow Jesus.” –from Do You Know Who I Am? by Angela Thomas
Do you consider yourself called to follow after Jesus?
We often think God only calls those who are qualified. Not true. The Bible is full of people like you and me—people who don’t have it all figured out and often make poor choices—who were called by God.
Maybe you’ve heard this saying, “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” Meaning whatever God calls us to, He will equip us and show us the way.
Wherever we are in life, we are called to follow Jesus
…as a spouse.
…as a parent.
…as a friend or co-worker.
…as we read and study His Word.
…as He plants dreams in our hearts.
…as we struggle through trials.
…as we enter a new stage in life, often one we don’t want to be in.
God calls and we want to answer, but what happens when it’s just too much and we stumble and fall?
In all honesty, sometimes I am just plain weary. I’m tired of the struggle of life. My focus is on what I can see now and what I can’t see in the future.
My attention is on me, instead of on Him where it should be. I give in to fear and it keeps me from my calling—to trust God and step out in faith.
Maybe you can relate to this.
But here is where you and I have a choice. We can let fear hold us back or we can focus on God and trust Him.
You see, when God calls us, He equips us. Through His Word, He reveals more of Himself to us, and our relationship with Him grows deeper. He provides rest, strength, and ability. He is there to see us through, and he wants our focus to be on Him.
Perhaps you remember Peter…
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” (Matthew 14:24-31 NLT)
When my full attention is on Jesus, there is no room for doubt and fear. But when my focus shifts to what is going on around me, I go down like Peter.
I often picture myself frantically looking around, while Jesus calmly stands in front of me saying, “Right here, Laura. Focus on Me.”
You and I are called to focus on Jesus—to follow after Him with everything we are. When we do, the experience will be incredible! Better than we ever could imagine!
Are you ready?
He is worthy. And He is waiting for us.
In Christ,
Laura
Linking up with On Your Heart Tuesday, Just Write, Women Living Well Wednesday, Winsome Wednesday, Word Filled Wednesday and Grace Cafe.
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