I clearly remember the final stage of being called into full time ministry. I was still in secular employment being self-employed running a small business. At the time I had staff who were dependent on me and commitments I had to fulfil. Yet, I also had a strong pull towards full time preaching. I knew God was calling me to that. The question was how could that cross over take place without causing major disruption in the lives of my employees and allowing me to still support my family. While weighing up the dynamics of it all these verses were impressed upon me:
Matthew 4v 18-20:
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
How could that be that men with responsibilities just left everything and followed Jesus?
I listened to an online service and Pastor McConnell who had no idea I was even listening started to preach on that very scripture. He pointed at the screen as said;
“The Master wants you now! Delayed obedience is disobedience.”
I went into work the very next day and a deal was struck which worked for all parties involved and just as quick as that I was free for full time ministry!
When Jesus calls you to do something for Him it can be daunting and we don’t always have all the answers. Yet where there is a genuine call He will make a way. Still, faith is required on our part that leads to action. We do what we can and He does what we cannot!
Matthew 9v 9&10:
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples
Matthew could have asked for more time as Jesus told him to “Follow me”.
Instead, he immediately responded and was blessed in the doing of it!
There is a saying that goes, ‘Faith is spelt RISK.’ Yet to move at Jesus behest is no real risk at all. I personally know the fears and questions of stepping out, yet I have also known the miracles and experienced the blessings.
May you to hear His voice and when He asks something of you - SAY YES!
Love and blessings- Pastor John