Is God Calling?
“… follow me”
Go where I go, do what I do, learn from me
Matt. 4:18; John 21:19; John 21:22
Jesus was heard saying ‘follow me’ on several occasions. He said it to Matthew (Matt. 9:9), to Philip (John 1:43), to the rich ruler (Matt. 19:21), to anyone interested in being His disciple (Matt. 16:24) and to Peter three times.
God’s call to serve him is rarely an explicit and detailed directive. Your call may be like that of Peter’s, a progressive revelation of who Christ is and subsequently a series of steps that became a life of wholehearted service.
Peter did not immediately have a revelation of Christ’s identity and immediately have a ‘life plan’. There was no map handed to him outlining a life of service. His ministry was the result of progressive revelation, responsive actions, and often failings. He, like the other disciples began following Christ and learning from Him. Peter chose to spend time with Christ. He trained whilst in his company. Jesus taught and demonstrated how to serve, pray and minister. During this time Jesus made it very clear there would be a cost involved in being His disciple.
There were many steps in Peter’s journey towards wholehearted devotion. Here are just thirteen:
13 Steps in Peter's journey following Christ
1. Peter heard a testimony
Peter, like so many of us who have heard the testimony of a friend or relative, listened when his brother Andrew testified that he had found Jesus, the Messiah and the long-awaited deliverer (John 1:41).
2. Peter met Jesus
Andrew brought Peter to personally meet Jesus. Previously Peter had been called Simon, but when he met Jesus, he was given a new name, identity, and destiny. From that moment on, Simon was known as Cephas (a rock), which is translated as Peter (John 1:41-42). When we meet with Jesus, we find our identity and purpose.
3. Peter believed in Jesus
John recorded that Peter was among the disciples who attended a wedding with Jesus. After witnessing the first of many miraculous signs, he, like the other disciples, “believed in Him” (John 2:11).
4. Peter became aware of his own sinfulness
Peter had loaned Christ his boat to preach from and was rewarded with a huge catch of fish. When he saw the abundance of fish appear from nowhere, he was astounded. Overwhelmed, he fell down before Jesus and cried, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8, NIV). It is in the presence of omnipotence that we recognise our own state of sinfulness. Peter recognized that Christ could do what was humanly impossible.
5. Peter left all for Christ
Peter was asked by Christ to leave his profession and source of income to follow Him (Matt. 4:20; Mark 1:16-18). In return, he was given a new vocation—Peter was sent out to “fish for people.” He no longer labored for himself, but for God. Untroubled, he walked away from his means of making a living and, having left everything, followed Christ (Mark 1:17-18, Luke 5:10-11).
6. Peter became accustomed to seeing the power of God at work
Peter regularly witnessed Christ heal the sick, deliver people from demonic oppression, and feed multitudes (Mark 1:25; 32-34; 6:41-44).
7. Peter's faith and trust in Christ's identity enabled him to do the incredible
Peter saw Jesus walking on water and, knowing that Christ was not constrained by the laws of nature, called out to Him, “Lord, if it’s you… tell me to come to you on the water” (Matt. 14:28, NIV). He stepped out onto the water, and it was only when he looked at the storm and began to fear that he started to sink, and Christ was there to save him.
8. Peter had a revelation of the identify of Christ
Jesus asked Peter if he knew who He was. Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). Jesus told Peter that he was truly blessed because it was God Himself who opened his eyes to reveal His identity.
9. Peter's conviction was firm
Peter did not take offense at being publicly rebuked by Christ and remained steadfast while others left after hearing “hard teaching” (John 6:60). His resolve was that no one else could give eternal life. Peter said, “We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
10. Peter saw the Son of God in His glorified state
Peter witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration; he saw Christ’s face shine like the sun and His clothes become brilliant white (Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28-36).
11. Peter learned about humility
Peter knew Jesus was the Son of God so when Christ stooped down to wash the feet of all the disciples, Peter was stunned. Christ had taken the lowest position and demonstrated humility (John 13:5-6). Peter was beginning to understand that the ways of God are not the ways of this world.
12. Peter was confronted with his own weakness
Peter failed to recognize that his greatest trial was looming, and even when instructed by Christ to pray that he would not succumb to temptation, Peter slept. A sequence of events revealed that he was weaker than he thought, and he miserably failed the greatest test of his life. Peter was overcome by the fear of men and denied knowing Christ three times (Matt. 26:69-74).
13. Peter understood what it was to receive the grace of God
After Peter’s denial, Christ was crucified. To say that Peter’s heart was broken would be an understatement. Imagine his joy, therefore, on hearing that familiar voice, “Throw your nets in for a catch,” and there was Christ on the beach cooking breakfast. Peter could not get ashore quick enough. He had denied Christ three times, and now he was given the opportunity for restoration. Christ asked him three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:17). Peter responded each time that he did love Christ.
Of course, Peter’s journey continued. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, preached with boldness and through the power of God he healed the sick and raised the dead. He was able to stand firm in the face of persecution, received a vision from God, and was delivered from prison by an angel. In the end Peter stood steadfast and died to bring glory to his Saviour (Acts 1:8; 3:6; 4:8, 13, 19; 9:40; 10:17; 12:11; John 21:19).
God is calling you too
If you think God has not called you to serve, reconsider, because you have already begun your life’s journey as a servant. How far you travel is primarily up to you.
When Christ is present, and the power of God is seen by all at work it’s easy to be full of zeal, excitement and joy.
Yet, there are times when it feels like we are all alone and the power of darkness is victorious. This is often when we feel like a failure and want to do what Peter did and return to our old life, depend on ourselves and, remain in control of our own destiny (John 21:3).
Why? Because in all honesty it’s easier than living a life of faith. Familiarity is comfortable and often predictable, yet there is nothing that can take the place of fulfilling your life purpose.
Have you stopped somewhere along the timeline of your life because you have become disillusioned?
Jesus is calling you back.
He has breakfast cooking and is waiting to meet with you.
What's your next step to answer the call?
- A great place to start is by diving into God’s Word. Scripture is a powerful way to grow closer to Him, and we’ve created free, downloadable Bible reading plans to help you get started.
- Talk with Him. He is always pleased to meet with you.
- When God speaks be obedient to his call.
- If you feel God calling you to share His Good News with others, explore our range of gospel tracts. Let’s work together to help more people experience the fulfilling life that comes with Jesus at the centre.
Blessings, Deb and the ti-dingz team