“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him.” Mark 1:17-18 (NLT)

I walked slowly down the steps into the roped-off swimming area in the cold, clear, spring-fed water of the Homosassa River. My husband encouraged me to jump off the last step quickly and get it over with, so I did.

The water was cold and deep — too deep for me to touch the bottom. I grabbed onto the edge of the platform for a few minutes and then swam to the boundary rope and held on tight. My heart was racing from the shock of the cold water and my efforts to stay afloat. I was way out of my comfort zone, and instead of staying there and letting myself adapt, I swam back to the steps and climbed out of the water.

Sitting on the platform, I watched as adults and children jumped into the water over and over in spite of its depth and temperature. There was surprise, excitement and joy on their faces. And yet when my husband swam up to me and encouraged me to try again, I said, “You go ahead — I’ll just watch.”

What if disciples Andrew and Simon had said that to Jesus when He invited them to leave their boats and follow Him? “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed him” (Mark 1:17-18).

Jesus called Andrew and Simon way out of their comfort zones — away from their homes, families and jobs, away from everything they knew. Yet when Jesus said, “Come, follow me,” they did. They didn’t respond, “You go ahead — we’ll just watch.” No, they immediately left their old lives and followed Christ.

Several times, God has called me to step out of my comfort zone to do something new. I wish I could say I responded to His invitations the way Simon and Andrew did. Instead, my first response has almost always been, “You go ahead — I’ll just watch.”

Fortunately, God doesn’t stop inviting me to follow Him just because I hesitate. He keeps nudging me until I finally “jump into the water.” Sometimes it takes a long time, but when I do, He is always there to catch me and keep me afloat while He leads me to a place where I can stand. I would have missed some amazing experiences if I hadn't trusted Him and finally accepted His invitation to follow Him.

Is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone? Is He asking you to jump into some really deep water? Trust Him. He’ll be there to catch you. Following Him is always an amazing experience.

Lord, thank You for continuing to invite me to follow You even if I hesitate at first. Please give me the wisdom and courage to follow Your call the first time You ask. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Today’s devotion writer, Terri Hester, is a member of COMPEL Training. You can find writing tips, inspiration and community when you follow COMPEL on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Genesis 12:1-4a, “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed, and Lot went with him” (NLT).

What can you do to increase your courage to follow God when He calls you out of your comfort zone?

What small step can you take today toward something God is calling you to do? Tell us in the comments!

© 2023 by Terri Hester. All rights reserved.