Devotional
When Jesus called those first disciples, He didn’t wait for them to get their lives together first. Simon was impulsive, James and John had anger issues, and Matthew had a questionable past as a tax collector. Yet Jesus looked at each of them and said, “Follow me, and I’ll make you into something extraordinary.” The same is true for you. When Jesus called you, you didn’t have it all figured out either. You came with your own set of flaws, fears, and failures. But He didn’t call you because of who you were – He called you because of who He knew you could become. This is both humbling and encouraging. It’s humbling because it reminds us that we’re all works in progress. None of us has arrived at spiritual maturity. We’re all still learning, still growing, still being shaped by His hands. But it’s also deeply encouraging because it means your past doesn’t disqualify you, your present struggles don’t surprise Him, and your future potential is unlimited in His hands. He’s not finished with you yet. The Christian life isn’t about reaching a point where you’ve got everything figured out. It’s about staying on the journey of transformation, allowing Jesus to continually shape you into someone you could never become on your own. Every day brings new opportunities to grow, new challenges that stretch your faith, and new ways to discover what it means to follow Him. The disciples who left their nets that day had no idea they would become the foundation of the early church. They just knew they wanted to follow Jesus. That’s all He asks of you too – not perfection, just willingness to keep following.
Bible Verse
‘At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.’ – Mark 1:18-20
Reflection Question
What evidence do you see of Jesus transforming you into someone you could never have become on your own, and what areas of growth is He still working on in your life?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for calling me not because I was perfect, but because You saw who I could become. Help me embrace the journey of transformation rather than expecting instant arrival. Give me patience with myself and others as we all grow into who You’re making us to be. Keep me humble and teachable. Amen.