Dropping Our Nets (Mark 1:16-18)
By Jennifer Waddle
Today's Bible Verse: And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Mark 1:16-18 NKJV)
For a career fisherman, his net represents his livelihood. Every “catch of the day" equates to compensation for his efforts. A missed opportunity to fill the net might mean losing out on much-needed income. So when think of Simon and Andrew, the first disciples Jesus called, dropping their nets immediately, we must see their action for what it was: an extraordinary example of obedience.
“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Whatever thoughts were going through the minds of Simon and Andrew at that moment, there’s no doubt something life-changing was about to happen. There was a holy pull from the man called “Jesus” they didn’t want to miss out on.
In our lives, we struggle to immediately follow the voice of the Lord. Often, we white-knuckle our own nets of livelihood, striving to fill them as full as possible. And each day we fail to bring in the day’s catch, is a day we fall further behind. It’s a constant cycle of casting our nets and hoping for the best.
Unlike those first disciples, we are hesitant to drop what we’re so invested in. We are uncertain and doubtful. Many questions fill our minds:
Is it really God’s voice I’m hearing?
What does following Christ really mean?
Does the Lord really want me to drop everything for Him?
As doubt replaces instant obedience, we talk ourselves out of dropping our nets—our goals, dreams, and desires. We hear His voice in the distance, but continue on our way, working even harder to be successful. So, what is the answer?
Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work with our “whole heart as unto the Lord and not man.” No matter what career field we’re in, our focus should be on serving God (not self or others). Then, as He calls us to something new or different or challenging, we’ll be open and ready to go.
Fortunately, we have a patient, loving Savior, who never tires of calling us to Himself. He pursues us with an everlasting love. He reminds us of what lies beyond our comfortable shores. And when we finally loosen our grip, we are one step closer to dropping everything for Jesus.
If you’re wondering how you can serve God right where you are, and be willing to follow Him at a moment’s notice, here are a few things to consider:
View your work environment as a God-given mission field.
Seek God daily to know what He has in mind for you.
Commit your efforts and success to the Lord with praise and thanksgiving.
Ask for wisdom in everything you set out to do.
Each day is an opportunity for us to drop our nets and follow Jesus. As we mentally prepare ourselves to let go of our endless strivings and spiritually prepare ourselves to go where He leads, we’ll find ourselves on the exciting shores of God’s purpose through us - and who knows where that might lead!
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
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