My Mom is easily distracted when walking through the house. She grabs her blanket when she rises from her chair, grasps door facings, and wants to pick things up. Mom also turns toward anything that moves or catches her attention. These distractions prove challenging as we move toward our targeted task. She often resists my help.
God’s Word tells us about Apostle Peter, who was soon distracted from his call to fish for people. Jesus knew Peter had decided to return to his old career of fishing. Jesus visited Peter and compelled him to cast on the other side of the ship because he’d cast all night without a catch. Peter obeyed and pulled in more fish than he could handle. Jesus watched and waited at the shore to bid Peter and the disciples who’d joined him to come and dine. When they did, Jesus challenged Peter’s love for Him and instructed him to feed his sheep. Peter had a higher call, but he found himself distracted by the old, comfortable life he had lived before meeting Jesus.
Mom’s altered mental state due to dementia keeps her from completing needed tasks. She compromises her livelihood rather than trusting me to guide her. How often do we believers grasp at anything that moves or catches our attention? The latest fashions, trips, new homes, vehicles, and busy schedules frequently prove futile and may hinder us from completing the more important task of serving our Savior. Perhaps our fleshly minds impair our decision-making. Better judgment is choosing to submit to the all-knowing and trustworthy leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Like Peter, I find myself going back to the familiar. The comfort of the past is easier than the challenge of obeying my calling. Winning souls and proclaiming truth may cause misunderstanding, resistance, jealousy, and persecution from believers and unbelievers alike. Disappointment can arise when others don’t understand or fail to support our endeavors, nevertheless I’ve decided to obey Christ.
We’re not here to grasp comfort and resort to our old way of living, but we’re here to obey our call and win others to Christ. Ladies, let’s focus on the all-important task set before us and trust God’s leadership as we serve by sharing Jesus with others.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19
“Follow me”–words from our Lord, but we tend to pull back or turn in a different direction. Why is it so difficult? If we don’t surrender to our Lord’s calling AND His guidance, we will struggle with following Him. I’m so thankful He is patient with our doubts, fears, and stubbornness.