Matthew 10:35-38

This week I am preparing to take a month-long road trip to Alaska. I have tried to imagine what I might need to take, the route I should travel, the sights and places I should go. There are so many unknowns: weather, road conditions, detours, potential wildfires, and just a multitude of surprises for which I cannot plan! That does not mean I’ll stay at home or postpone the journey until I am better prepared!

Life just doesn't work like that. Think about all the adventures you have had that you never expected! Think of all the opportunities you may have missed by hesitating too long! So, it is.

In Matthew 10:35-38 we learn of how Jesus goes from village to village discovering that folks need healing or want to hear the story of God’s love which will bring them hope. Then, Jesus invites his disciples not to just follow him around but to join him in proclaiming God’s gift of peace, justice, and hope to those whom they meet as well.

In fact, those fishermen who thought they would be fishermen for life, now are called by Jesus to do a different ministry than they ever imagined. They went down new paths that were totally unfamiliar. They didn’t say, “Sorry Jesus, not now! I’m not totally prepared for that work.” Or, “I’ll have to get a different wardrobe!” Or “I have other plans for my life, don’t ask me just now!”

Likewise, God will call us to do work for him at sometimes unlikely times. We may wish God would choose a different place or time or task. We might think it should be done by others: those more educated, those younger, or those less busy! Be flexible to hear God’s call to service or to try something new! God needs us! Thank God for leading us into new journeys guided by God.

Prayer: Here I am, Lord. Send me! Amen