WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES
“Come, follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” And, at once, they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:20
I cannot imagine how much faith that took to walk away from family, friends, home, livelihood and follow someone who was a stranger. Yet, they did, and we all know how that turned out. I have heard it referred to as “a leap of faith”.
Many years ago, I had to step away from the stability of a home, husband, and financial support to the very scary, sinking stone of being a single mom with 3 children and much less income. I knew I had to move on but the prospect of being the sole support of 3 children (yes, I eventually received child support, but it took a while) was very, very intimidating and felt very much like a stormy sea. But I took that step (leap of faith), found better paying employment and weathered the storm.
At the time, I didn’t think too much about how my faith sustained me in those months and years, but as I reflect on how things turned out, I remember the days and nights I prayed “please dear Lord, just let me get through this —-“. “Please give me the strength to deal with —“. I realize now that all along the way, God was there propping me up, giving me the strength to keep going. It takes a great deal of faith to step away from the familiar, safe place you are in and go forth into the unknown. Knowing God was on my side gave me the courage to do what needed to be done.
Prayer: Protective God, please wrap your love and strength around those who are in difficult situations who need to get out but are too afraid to step out into the stormy sea. Give them the strength and wisdom to see that there is a way out and once they take it, things will get better. Amen
Vicki Poli