“Follow me,” Jesus said to the unsuspecting fisherman by the Sea of Galilee, “and I will make you fish for people.” Surely these seasoned professionals knew that fishing was a dangerous business and really hard work. Did they think fishing for people would be less rigorous? And yet we’re told that IMMEDIATELY they dropped everything and followed Jesus into the work of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven near.

Yes, we too, have been called. We all have our story of how Jesus called us out of the life we were living into this life of discipleship. Wherever the specifics of our call takes us and however it grows and takes shape, it is most assuredly NOT going to be a smooth, straight, nor easy journey.

Still, we are called. And we answer that call as faithful stewards of the Good News. And if we know what’s good for us and for the healing of the nations, we will hang on and work at keeping the Body of Christ fit and together in our given context. We are so much stronger together than we are apart. Together, by listening, valuing, and believing that God is working in, among, and with us, we will find strength to do the work to which we are called.

My wish for you and our shared ministry is that we will cling to the message and the call of Jesus, no matter what. It may sound like foolishness, and it may present itself as a whole lot of work, but it is the power of God that surrounds us, keeps us, holds us, and saves us. The world may go to pieces around us, but Jesus never does. Believe that. Live it. Be that message of hope and grace to this beautiful, broken world.