Immediately

By: Kathie Welch

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:20 (ESV)

Simon and Andrew were ordinary fishermen when Jesus called them to become fishers of men. James and John were two other fishermen quietly mending their nets when Jesus called them. In both instances, Scripture tells us the men immediately stopped what they were doing and followed Jesus.

Think about that for a moment... All four men were doing what they had been trained to do their entire lives. Leaving abruptly wasn't convenient, and leaving their careers (and source of income) was a bold step of faith. It probably inconvenienced those other men left behind in those boats too! Jesus was just starting His ministry, so people didn't understand who He was yet. To their friends, forsaking everything to follow Jesus probably didn't seem wise or reasonable. But when Jesus called, they didn't hesitate. They followed Him immediately.

We see other instances in Scripture where people responded to God's call immediately. God called Abraham to leave his country, his relatives, and his father's house, and told him He would make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham was 75 years old and he was probably set in his ways. But when God called, he gathered his wife, nephew, and their possessions and immediately obeyed. It happened again when God told Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Isaac was the heir of God's promise, and we know his birth was a miracle. But Abraham rose early the next morning to immediately obey God's command. Abraham didn't try to “reason” with God about sacrificing Isaac, he just obeyed God's instructions.

In these examples, the Holy Spirit empowered each of these men to believe, trust, and obey God's calling. That same process is still in place for Christ followers today. When God calls, He expects us to respond immediately. Like He did with Abraham and Isaac, God may be evaluating our hearts, our trust, and our willingness to obey Him. When God calls, we must trust Him to work out the details... No second-guessing, no turning back.

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27

Christ follower, are you hearing from God and responding to Jesus' voice? Are you willing to go wherever He leads you? Remember, God often calls us to do things outside our comfort zone. Do you completely trust Him? Are you willing to “leave your nets” to follow Jesus?

This year, be ready and willing to follow God's instructions. If He asks you to leave anything behind, that must mean it was unnecessary! When He calls, He will lead and empower every step you take!