As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
emphasis mine
The Message translation puts it this way:
They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.
They did what they were asked.
At once and with no questions.
I wonder what would happen if I did what Jesus asked me to and without questions. What if I didn’t say, “but, why, Lord.” Or…”yes, Lord, but what if…”
There is little in life I do without asking a question. Even in a simple conversation I will ask, “and then what?” Sometimes before the person has a chance to tell me. Can’t I just be patient and wait for them to finish?
I know that Jesus is the way and the truth. I know he is the ONLY way. John 14:6
Since he is the way, I wonder what would happen in my life and to my life if I followed without question? If I carefully and prayerfully followed his leading and guiding, what would happen? What would be different?
I don’t know…but I find it intriguing.
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by Sarah Young,
yesterday’s reflection started with this line:
“Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.
“Give up the illusion that you deserve a problem-free life.
Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.
This is a false hope! As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble.”
He already told us we are going to have trouble. John 16:33
So, it is time for me to let go. It is time for me to stop asking questions. It time for me to put on my big girl pants and give up the illusion referenced above.
I don’t really believe I deserve a problem-free life, but I need to stop questioning. I need to go at once…to the will of the Father.
It is then and only then that I will have peace.
Lord, today I am letting go. It might not last all day,
but I am going to try.
I am going to stop questioning and
go at once to what you are asking of me.
I am going to go at once to the tasks
laid before me without complaining,
without questioning,
without wishing it were different.
What about you…do you struggle with questioning or do you go at once?
I hope you Monday is blessed and your week is great!
"There is little in life I do without asking a question."
Oops. Me, too. I've been known to also interrupt with a question before someone finishes with the instruction. "Just let me finish first"–I get that sometimes. ha. Maybe that's what God is saying to me, too…. Thanks for this, Mary!
How often are we on the same page, saying we do the same things? I would SO love to meet you in real life!! Thank you for being such an encouragement to me, Lisa!
"I am going to go at once to the tasks
laid before me without complaining,"
Oh, just this. A wise challenge to my questioning soul.
Thank you, Angie…it is a challenge to me too!
Truth! That is how we should be with the Lord. But…yes, "but" always seems to get in the way! Great point of view!
You make my heart smile friend…
I love your prayer at the end when you say, "it might not last all day." THAT is the story of my life. I start with such good intentions and then….
Great post, Mary. One of my favorites.
Thanks, Kathleen…I think it is the story of many lives.
I loved your prayer, Mary. I've heard it said that anything besides 'instant obedience' is not obedience at all–something to ponder…..
Instant obedience…something to ponder for sure!
You are so wise and lovely, my friend. We were studying the same verses Sunday, and your words here have enriched my learning.
You have no idea how much you comment warms my heart, Jennifer. Thank you.
Dear Mary,
I ask God questions all the time…but I think it is okay as long as I eventually go, although I'm sure it would be better if I just went….He is gracious…love your heart 🙂
I think it is probably OK too…I just think that it might be a smoother ride if I just went w/o questioning. Love your heart too!
It sure it hard not to question. I work at that everyday! Lovely prayer.
Bless you, Susan.
That is so me, Mary: "Yes, Lord, but…" Such a wise lesson here. Love you, lovely!
WOW…this is the second comment to use the word "wise" in connection with me. I am humbled and honored that you stopped by Michelle. thank you!!