Luke 5:10-11
10-11 Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.
I've been thinking about this story a lot. Especially the past 3 weeks.
Simon (who eventually was given the new name Peter) was going on about his business. He was waking up, getting dressed, meeting up with friends, and walking to work. Everyday he got on that boat and caught some fish. He was doing what so many of us do. He was doing what I was taught and accustomed to do.
And then one day...
Peter, minding his own business, met this guy who told him some crazy things. He told him some FOOLISH things.
"Simon," He said (in the Danielle translation), "Quit your job. Quit doing everything that makes sense to you. I've purposed something greater for you. You are meant to change the world. I know it doesn't make sense... But I don't think like you. I am not limited like you. I've GOT you."
The craziest thing about that story isn't really what Jesus said. I mean we have foreshadowing so we already knew who Jesus was in the story. Jesus is known for wacky stuff- Let's be real... the guy turned water to wine, told dead people to wake up, forgave a prostitute, and walked on water... and that's just the minor things. Dude was different.
To me the most insane thing was that Peter DID it. He dropped his nets. He abandoned all reason. He quit his day job to follow some guy he didn't even know. He didn't know that Jesus was the Messiah. He had never met Him before.
Here's the thing... Jesus spoke to the inner cry of Peter and His only response to was to follow. Drop everything- give up the life he had always known for something that he had never seen.
Who does that?!
How awesome is God though! Peter never went without. God sent people to provide for them- whatever they needed- just so that Jesus and the disciples could fulfill their purpose.
At the end of Peters story was just the beginning... He changed the world, voiced the foundation of what the Church is built on. We still look to his life for how we should live.
All because Peter dropped his nets. All because he quit his job- to follow Jesus.
I've had some crazy up's and downs these past few weeks. People voicing opinions that were hurtful, people promising one thing and doing another, and wondering how God was going to do what He assured me He would do.
BUT now it's MORNING. Joy is mine. God's faithfulness isn't determined by other's opinions of my obedience. His faithfulness isn't determined by other people's follow through. His faithfulness isn't even shifted by me.
I don't know what God has called you to do. I don't know what nets you are supposed to put down, what thing you are supposed to let go of, and where your feet are supposed to take you. But here is what I do know...
"There is NOTHING to fear!"
That's what Jesus said.
You can believe it.
Holy. Moly!
This month has been crazy! In the most spectacular way possible!
If you haven't heard yet about all of the new things going on for the Craig's... you just wait! You may be just as blown away as we are at how The Lord has really moved in our lives since the last post.
As you know God called me to quit my job. I had no idea what I was going to be doing but my husband and I decided to be obedient to His voice and I sent my resignation letter and went for the next week to be a camp counselor for a church camp that I went to 10 years ago.
Basically, all I can say is quitting my job was the best thing I could have ever done. Because God had some very amazing things lined up for us and we would have MISSED them had we not been obedient!
There are 3 key things that He dropped in our lap that week. I'll try to keep this short and sweet...
1. Youth Pastors. We have been Youth Pastors at our church for a while now and while at camp Cyler and I were asked to be the Youth Pastors for the Sonshine Network Conference. Basically that means we will be responsible for doing training's for Youth Pastors for over 150+ churches within the conference, helping get them get connected and build relationships with other youth pastors around them, and help with planning youth events for the conference. It includes a lot of travel so we will be home a lot less but we are SO excited for the opportunity! We have a heart for this generation and we are so thankful to be able to work alongside the leaders God has CHOSEN for such a time as this!
2. Women. We (with the help of on of the ladies in our community) are in the process of opening a Women's Center here in Macclenny. It's going to specialize in healing and counseling for young girls who have no where else to turn! We are SO excited about how God is moving and leading through this journey. We are praying that doors will be open SOON! But no later than the first of the year. Although, I believe God has placed the desire in our hearts and that He has already made provision... we are just waiting to see it!
3. Children. As you may know, from a previous post, Cyler and I have been wanting a baby for some time now. Although the process has been long and God still has not responded in the way we hoped we have surrendered to the timing of The Father. But, in the process we realize the desire to be parents hasn't gone away. So, after prayerfully talking through some options we are planning to begin the process of becoming Foster Parents at the end of the summer. My heart is overwhelmed at the idea of being the Love of Jesus to little ones that need it most!
Like I said... God has been so faithful. And this month really has been WHIRLWIND. But we are excited!
But, if I'm being honest... we have some pretty huge needs right now. Financially we are looking around and wondering what we are going to do. We know God has a plan... He brought us here so He is working it out.
With that in mind, we believe that God moves through people. What we are praying for is that people will prayerfully consider is partnering with our ministry through prayer as intercessors and financially as sponsors.
I know God has already worked out our provision and we don't have to worry. We are standing on faith and waiting to see Him move!
If you would like some more detail about what is going on (and to see a very spiffy Newsletter) email me at danielle.n.craig@gmail.com and I would be glad to send everything your way.
And in the process we are also that people will agree to pray for some things above just our monthly budget to come in...
Some practical needs we have:
-A second vehicle. With beginning the process of Fostering we want to make sure I have a way to take the little one (or little ones) around during the day. And so I can get to appointments for the other ministries we are a part of while Cyler waits for his release from the corporate world.
-A printer with option to print in color. We will be sending out Newsletters to our sponsors (both prayer and financial) and it is so much easier (and cost effective) to just print everything off at home.
-Goods and Services. If you are unable to sponsor financially but want a way to give donated items are a great idea! These items can either be used or sold to bring in a little extra cash flow. Rental properties are also an option (or real estate). Services you may be able to provide are also a great way to help. Obviously we will still need to get haircuts, or we will need our lawn cut, etc...
We are so excited about what God is doing in our lives. We believe we are positioned to be blown away by His goodness and are in a prime spot to see that His provision for us is better than our provision for us!
Thank you for being such an encouragement to us in the process!
Again... if you have any questions or words of encouragent please feel free to email me at danielle.n.craig@gmail.com !
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