We face a number of transitions in life: we enter school, get a job, change jobs, develop new relationships, the transitions continue on. Transitions can be a time psychological turmoil as we leave the familiar and step into a new role. As we enter the transition, we think about what we’re leaving behind and find ourselves learning new practices and roles. If we are looking forward to the transition, it is often characterized by a release of energy in a new direction and a sense of a fresh identity. Jesus’ disciples encountered a major transition in their lives as Jesus called them,

And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)

These men underwent a major life transition from being fishermen to being evangelists. They had to let go of their former identity and embrace a new calling. So it is in our lives. As Jesus calls you to follow Him, you need to let go of your past and your former identity and embrace your new identity in Him. Do you see yourself as God sees you?  The Apostle Paul expounds upon this truth,

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The disciples experienced not only a change of identity, but also a vocational change. We see they readily accepted Jesus’ invitation to come after Him,

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. (Mark 1:18)

Jesus made such a profound impact in their lives that they left their way of life and followed Him. Jesus may not be calling you to leave your current vocation, but He is calling you to follow Him. A distinguishing characteristic of those who belong to Jesus is that they follow Him,

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (John 10:27)

Following Jesus is a process – Jesus will make you “become” a fisher of men. Theologians refer to this process of becoming more like Jesus as sanctification. If you are not where you want to be in your spiritual walk, remember it’s a process. It’s comforting to know that God loves you as you are, but He loves you too much to leave you as you are. His desire is that we become more like Jesus.

Transitions are a necessary part of life for God to make us into what He wants us to be. You must realize that what got you where you are won’t necessarily get you to where you need to be. Following Jesus implies that you will make changes in your life. Jesus took a group of fisherman and had a new calling for them. What is He calling you to be and do?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5