It would be a few years before I would truly understand the source of that feeling I desired comes only from following God. “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!” Those are the words Peter and the others heard as they pulled in the fish-filled boat after a long day at sea. It is in that statement, Jesus shared with the disciples his intentions with their future. The scripture goes on to say, “they forsook all, and followed him.” Do you think if Peter knew that path would one day land him in jail he would have followed? Odds are it may have been a difficult choice to make. In following God we never know the twists or turns, mountains or valleys our path may follow. The ability to hear His voice among the back chatter of life is imperative to finding yourself in the right place at the right time. After all who would want to miss being used greatly by God as Peter went on to be?
It’s been almost 12 years since I crossed the stage. My path has had its twists and turn, ups and downs. As I stepped out to follow God, much like Peter and the others I “forsook all” my grandiose plans to walk according to God’s plans for me. Initially, God’s voice was loud and clear. I took one step, then another, then another. After awhile it seemed that the voice dampened and I had stepped out so far that if I wanted to turn back I didn’t know how. In the well-known fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, two young children leave a bread crumb trail to find their way back home. With each step, Hansel would drop a tiny morsel visibly marking their path. Later they find that the birds have eaten the bread leaving them wandering aimlessly through the woods. It is fortunate for us that no temporary markers are needed to guide our path, just a Word from God.
As I listen for God’s voice and follow His lead, the biggest lesson I have learned is to trust Him when there is only visibility to the step in front of me and not the entire journey. As His Word leads, His hands have shaped and molded me according to my purpose – for the disciples, that was fishers of men. Now I know that it’s much more than getting a degree, for it was merely a stop. In following God I know that I am being made according to my destiny.