Loving the Past by Sharron K. Cosby

Loving the Past

by Sharron K. Cosby

“Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him”

(Luke 5:10-11, NIV).

For three years, I had discussed retirement with my supervisor and family. I continued to justify remaining in my position to myself and others the whole time.

In quiet moments, God whispered, “It’s time.”

I repeatedly shushed his words.

I loved my job, the benefits, the salary. But God broke through my rationalizations at a writers’ conference during a workshop about leaving the past to embrace the future.

Jesus taught by the Sea of Galilee, where he boarded Simon’s boat. They pushed away from shore and Jesus told Simon to drop his nets into the deep waters. Simon complained of the previous night’s unproductive fishing, but he followed Jesus’ instruction. The haul of fish almost sank the boat.

Simon immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He acknowledged his sins but told Jesus to go away. Simon felt unworthy. But Jesus saw his potential and extended the offer of a lifetime—to be fishers of men. The offer wasn’t free. There was a price to pay.

The workshop speaker paraphrased Jesus’ offer to Simon and the disciples by saying, “Do you love your old life more than what I’ve called you to do?”

My honest answer: Yes.

I loved my job more than the divine call to write. I had clung to the safety net of a regular paycheck for too long. The time had come to push away my excuses and follow him into deep waters.

Most of us have something that tethers us to the past, that provides security and familiarity. Something that resists God’s holy tug on our lives.

Jesus told the disciples not to fear what lay ahead. The catch would change, but the call to action remained. He wooed me to follow him, to exchange writing reports and investigation summaries to pen words for his glory.

Is it time to pull your boat to shore and follow God’s call?

Father, thank you for messengers who bring your words to life. Who choose to follow the summons to fish for people’s hearts and souls. May I, too, lay down the security of the past and launch into the deep. Amen.

Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted to the sands of Florida. She is an award-winning author and loves speaking about her family’s journey through addiction and other hope-filled topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com

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