"Because You Say So"

Obedience. Why is it so difficult to be obedient sometimes? Why is it that when God calls us to do something we don't just say, "OK Lord!" Oh wait, I'll get you on this one..."I just need to pray about it a little more, Lord." This makes you feel a little more spiritual when you say this, since you are "praying about it." You know you've said it before, or at least thought it! We are all guilty of being disobedient to God's calling and commands. By me saying we are all guilty of being disobedient does not mean it is acceptable, as a disciple of Christ. It is actually opposite of what the disciples in Luke 5:1-11 did. I would encourage you to read it now, if you have access to the scripture. In this passage we see some unlucky, sleepy, soon-to-be disciples calling it quits on the day. Then, Jesus comes along and tells Simon to put the boat out in deeper water. What a request! These men had tirelessly worked all night and had not caught a single fish, and now Jesus was asking him to put out into the water again? Try to put yourself in Simon's shoes, how would you respond to Jesus' request? Would you say, "Are you kidding me?! We just fished all night and caught nothing!" Maybe your response would be, "Let me pray about it for a while, Jesus." Or would it be similar to Simon's response. Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Wow. Now that is obedience. Did you notice what he said? He did not ask questions, he did not say maybe later, he did not say, "Let me pray about it more." No, he said, "But because you say so." What more of a reason do we need to be completely obedient to God than that he says so.  When he says so, do it. When we feel the conviction or confirmation of the Holy Spirit pressing our hearts, obey. 
God is calling us all to live a life that is out of the ordinary. God is wanting to press each of his children toward holiness. The only way we can take steps towards holiness is by being obedient, whatever the cost; which brings me to verse 11. So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. These men just saw Jesus perform a miracle. They caught TONS of fish! Then Jesus told them from now on they would be "fishers of men." Notice Jesus did not ask Simon if he wanted to be a fisher of men, but told him he would be. When you are God's child, his calling and plan for your life is a command, not a request. He is calling you to obey him, and to obey him promptly. The disciples'  response? Total abandonment to their family, job, friends, and home to follow Jesus. Our response? The same, follow Him; leaving everything else behind. I know what you're thinking, "Come on Hannah, I can't leave everything and follow Christ." Why not? You say you are a Christian and you love God, but would you give up everything to follow him? That is what the disciples did here, and are we not disciples? I am not just talking about giving up "bad things." It may be a person or an item, that isn't necessarily bad, that is hindering you from running after Christ with a passionate drive that will push you to holiness; that will push you to fresh discovery of His Word. When you cut the strings that attach you to this world and your fleshly desires you will begin to see God's plan for your life in a whole different light. His plan may be a little blurry to you right now and it may seem hard to take that step of obedience, but friend it is so worth it. The result of being obedient to God is seeing the sweet reward of His presence and peace. I pray that your heart would turn to obedience. I also pray your eyes are opened to the seriousness of obedience. God is calling you to obey him, to follow him, to give up everything for him. Are you being obedient?

Much Love,

Hannah Hollis