So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
(Luke 5:11 NIV)
As fishermen, Peter and his companions worked hard all night to catch fish, but failed. Then Jesus showed up and made it possible for them to catch not just some fish, but a large number to the point that their nets began to break and their boats began to sink (Luke 5:6-7). But despite the large number of fish they caught, they left it all behind and followed Jesus. It doesn’t make sense, does it? One would think that after this incredible accomplishment these fishermen would be glad to continue their fishing career, but they don’t. Instead, they become fishers of men.
I have found that oftentimes the things we work so hard to achieve are the very things that we’re asked to give up in order to pursue a higher calling. After years of waiting for a son, Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac on the altar. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, Moses died within sight of the Promised Land. After working hard to maintain his position in the Jewish ruling council, Nicodemus eventually gave it up to follow Jesus, and the list goes on. What are you working so hard to accomplish in life? It might just be the thing you’ll be asked to forsake in order to follow Him.
God asks us to lay down our accomplishments and pursue His purposes.
Rising with the Son 