Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-39, Isaiah 6:1-8, Acts 4:13
I’m pretty sure I responded to my first speaking invitation with some form of “over my dead body.” In fact, I think I said those exact words.
It was just a few months after my first book released, and a bubbly woman at church asked if I’d consider going to California to speak at a women’s event at her home church. I think I said, “Listen, I don’t want to say ‘over my dead body,’ but I really think everyone has different gifts. I love writing about Jesus, but speaking is not my thing. So, with so much love, over my dead body.”
Yeah. That’s what I said. I didn’t say I’d take time to pray about it. I didn’t thoughtfully consider this opportunity for ministry. It was a knee-jerk, hard no for me. I knew myself. I knew I didn’t feel called or qualified or have the slightest desire to stand behind a microphone and say words to people. Therefore, “over my dead body” it was.
It makes me laugh to remember it now, because shortly after that instant no, the Holy Spirit convicted me. He quickly and kindly revealed that my resistance was rooted in fear of people, in selfishness, and in disobedience. I was being invited to talk about Jesus, and I was saying no because I was thinking about me.
If there’s one thing today’s passages remind us of, it’s that God has never made a habit of choosing the people who feel most qualified.
When Peter witnessed the miraculous catch of fish, he didn’t think, Boom. Nailed it. You’re welcome, Jesus. No, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” (Luke 5:8). Isaiah had the same response. Standing before the perfect holy God, he shouted in anguish, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5). That basically translates to, “I should be dead right now. I am unworthy…” but in all caps.
Yet in both stories, God didn’t dismiss their inadequacy. He met it with grace. Jesus told Peter, “Don’t be afraid…From now on, you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10). God cleansed Isaiah’s lips and forgave his sin, then used him as His messenger (Isaiah 6:7–8).
God has never been looking for the polished or impressive. He’s looking for people willing to follow, even if it feels a little like “over my dead body.”
I think about that conversation with the bubbly church lady often. Not because I’ve become a super-confident speaker but because the Lord used her to expose my fear and re-center my heart on Him. “If someone is asking you to share what I’ve done for you,” He seemed to whisper, “why would you say no?”
I’ve been speaking about Jesus for almost a decade now, and it’s still uncomfortable. But it’s become one of my favorite things. Not because I feel qualified but because I know I’m not.
Over and over, God takes ordinary, hesitant people and draws them into His joyful work. He provides the message, He puts the fish in the net, and He gets the glory. What is He inviting you into? I hope you’ll say yes.
Written by Scarlet Hiltibidal
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102 thoughts on "The First Disciples"
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What stood out to be today, in Luke 5: 5 “But at your word I will let down the nets” I want to hear Gods word and have faith like Peter
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To lead a small group ❤️
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I have been asked to speak and to pray many times in my walk with the Lord! I’ve learned to trust him to put the words in my mouth. I don’t want to feel anxious or have fear! It’s truly a walk of faith. It’s been a beautiful journey and I’m looking forward to another chapter in my life now. We are moving from Michigan to Florida in the next few weeks and Hod is opening doors for me there already. Praise God as I humbly serve him.
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What a message today’s devotional was!
This reading was a blessing. I ran into a man at the grocery store today and his T-shirt said “here I am send me” thank you God for confirmation.
I wish He’d invite me into something. I’ve been feeling for the past year, that I’m not using His gifting where He’d like me to any longer, yet as much as I’ve asked – there is no lamplight to my next step. I’m trying not to feel the abandonment.
I pray that Gods grace be abundant in the waiting. An
Oh dear Sister, we have ALL been there. Sometimes the Lord wants us to Legos- to wait in him. (Kinda like a tea bag in water- to wait & steep for awhile) Sometimes he makes us wait and during the waiting we gain confidence and strength in him. Rest. Love Him more during this time. He did not abandon you, I promise. He is re-shaping you for your next BIG thing to do in HIS name. Steadfast dear Sister. John 15:4- REMAIN in me as I remain in you… <3
Galatians 5:13-14, For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Scripture for Grace Day:
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
—Hebrews 4:16
Reflecting on this week’s readings I was thinking about how I’ve always heard that there was no room for Him in the inn, but the verse actually says there was no room for “them.” I’ve thought about how in the clutter of the world He’s pushed aside, with the inn reflecting the human heart when it doesn’t have room to give him the littlest part. And while this is true, that there was no room for Him, my heart ponders also how there was no room for them.
I think of Mary, walking in the sorrows of His rejection. From the moment He was conceived, He was not understood and neither was she. She knew His sorrows before He was born. When you give Him room, you are accepting the invitation to have no room in the inn – to know the taste of rejection – to know what it can feel like to not fit in with the world.
But take heart, dear one, take heart and revel at what an honor it is to be with the One who knows, who was born to not fit in the world’s confines, but to break the mold – not by power, not by might, but by his gentle and meek spirit, who came as a Babe, held by His mother, full of grace, as she and Joseph marveled at His tender face.
It did not matter in the least that the inn had no room, and in the same way, it is only when we gaze into His holy face that we realize He is the treasure. The inn is the field that you sell in a second once you seen this Pearl.
Mary beheld the Pearl, and so do we.
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Thanks so much!!! ❤
Hey sisters, I need prayers for my daughter this morning. She’s been in labor all night with her first baby with terrible back labor and things are not progressing. Please pray for strength, progress, and health for her and the baby. Thank you for your prayers!
Praying right now!!!
Thank you❤️
Prayers sent!
Praying
Praying for your daughter and grandbaby!
Thank you! We are still waiting
Have prayed❤️
Praying for baby and momma ❤️
Good morning, sweet sisters! I’m here this morning but sadly Day 6 is not! LOL
Thank you to all who prayed for me as I went on my mission trip last weekend. It was a wonderful trip and I felt like God really used us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. ❤️
Glad to see you back, Lynne!!!
I just realized there is no day 6 lol!
But yet no one is HERE this morning!?
I noticed that also
I’ve share before but it goes along so well with this devotional, the book
“What Happens When Women Say “Yes” To God” by Lysa Terkeurst. It is really good! We did it as a small group but good alone as well! Get it!! Start praying for God to show you what he has for you!
Day 6 Luke Grace Day from He Reads Truth
Take this day to catch up on your reading, pray, and rest in the presence of the Lord.
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
—Hebrews 4:16
Thanks MM!!❤
Heyyyy funny enough I have to talk in front of people today and tomorrow. Its for short things, but definitely not my favorite but He’s calling me, so I must go! I must do it, and He will enable me!
Yes, talking in front of people always makes me so nervous…! He will enable you, amen!
Luke 5:5 is my key passage for this week. It really stood out to me today. Peter had worked all night and caught nothing, yet he still trusted Jesus enough to try again. It’s a reminder I needed that faith isn’t just trusting God when things are going well, but continuing to trust Him even after disappointment. I may not always understand what God is doing, but I can still trust Him ❤️
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My grief therapist has said to me that I have a story to tell and I should consider it. I also told her about a mentorship program at church and I thought about looking into it for a mentor for myself. She asked me why I wouldn’t consider being a mentor. I’m also an over my dead body. But Scarlet’s writing today makes me think I’m saying no to God. Something to pray over.
You know I keep telling you the same…you have a testimony for other moms going through the journey of having a child with the same condition or any disease or disability. And sadly you now know even going through losing them. My sister always tells me when she talks to someone that has lost a child how it comforts her right now in this almost unbearable time.
There could be so many different avenues to be this type of blessing…speaking in venues, visiting, writing, social media. I know God IS wanting to use you though. He has used you here already so much for our benefit. Lots of love to you always.
From Emmanuella’s blog on Luke 5:
“Just right before this chapter, we can see and read that Jesus taught in the synagogue. But there is a kind of audience that may never step foot into the synagogue but will be found on the shores of Lake Gennesaret. Some people may never step foot into a church nor accept your invitation to attend any service, whether online or physically, but will interact with you as colleagues, clients, classmates, or customers. This is why God needs your boat.
It’s very common for us to assume that acting as ministers in our offices or classrooms may imply that we should initiate class prayers or encourage morning devotions before work resumes. While that is good and can be encouraged, we still know that some dynamics in some institutions may not permit that.
It is not for us to determine or be rigid about how our “boats” should be used. Only two things are required as a Kingdom minister outside the four walls of a church/fellowship:
* Make your boat available
* Be willing to obey and push your boat out a little from the land.
Empty boats are not as bad as we think. Our bad days are not as terrible as we perceive them to be. On the contrary, they are open invitations to the Master to step into our lives and work out a miracle.”
How is Jesus calling me to use my “empty boat”?
When I was in seminary, preparing to be a chaplain, I told my pastor that I didn’t really feel qualified to be called as a chaplain. He told me, “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”
I love that. Look at all the broken people in the Bible who God called on to become the greats of our faith. I’ve seen various editions of this list, and it always makes me think about how God chooses the least likely to do great things for Him.
God’s broken soldiers
Abraham -Was old.
Elijah – Was suicidal.
Joseph – Was abused.
Job – Went bankrupt.
Moses – Had a speech problem.
Gideon – Was afraid.
Samson – Was a womanizer.
Rahab – Was a prostitute.
Samaritan Woman – Divorced.
Noah – Was a Drunk.
Jeremiah – Was young.
Jacob – Was a cheater.
David – Was a murderer.
Jonah – Ran from God.
Naomi – Was a widow.
Peter – Denied Christ three times
Martha – Worried about everything.
Zacchaeus – Was small and money hungry.
The Disciples – Fell asleep while praying.
Paul – A Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming one.
I love that. God can use us all. We just have to be willing to say, “Here am I. Send me.”
Yes! I always love remembering this list of unthinkables that God used in such big ways!! Thanks for sharing!
Good morning, beloved sisters!
Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio!
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of you for being here and being part of this beautiful community through She Reads Truth.
Today’s Scripture passage has deeply ministered to my life, especially the devotional written by Scarlett.
Her words have truly touched my heart.
Over the past two weeks, I have found myself saying “no” to things God has called me to do, simply because I was focusing on myself, my insecurities, and what I thought I could or could not accomplish.
As I was reading today’s devotional and reached the part that asks, “What is He inviting me into today, and what is He asking me to say yes to?” I felt the Holy Spirit deeply convict my heart.
Those questions confronted me because, instead of saying yes to the Lord, I had said no twice.
At this very moment, I ask the Lord to forgive me.
Today, I make a decision in my heart: I choose to say YES whenever the Lord calls me!
I know that it is not through my own strength that I will accomplish what He has called me to do. It is only through His strength, His grace, and His power that I will be able to fulfill His purpose.
My beloved sisters, as you read my testimony this morning, I pray that it will remind you of something important.
Whenever God calls you to do something, do not allow your insecurities, fears, or doubts to make you focus on your own limitations.
Instead, say YES to the Lord!
Do it for Him, knowing that He is the One who will equip you, strengthen you, and reveal His power through your obedience.
You do not have to depend on your own abilities because the One who calls you is faithful, and He will provide everything you need to accomplish His will.
My prayer is that this testimony will encourage and bless your hearts today, just as this devotional has blessed mine.
Remember, beloved sisters: Say YES to the Lord!
May God richly bless each and every one of you!
With love in Christ,
Psalmist Giselle Marie
Cleveland, Ohio
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Hello Shes
Scarlet Hiltibidal reminded me of the anxiety & ambivalence I expressed earlier this week about leading a small women’s group in conversations on scripture. If I respond fully & reverently to what God is calling me to do – convene this gathering – I can relax into His doing, not my own. When Scarlet asks, who am I to turn away from an opportunity to speak God into the world, I can be both convicted & vindicated. I want to give God my insecurities. To know He is present, cleansing me, lifting me, inviting me, empowering me. The Lord is making me worthy. All by His Grace. Selah.
I wrote some of this down in my bible to be reminded of these words. God has never looked for the perfect person, only those willing to follow. It’s a good reminder for me for when I am feeling not worthy enough and I really needed to hear these words today.
This passage spoke to me too! I’m sinking in fear right now, and now I’m reassured once again that God will strengthen me and equip me and will restore my relationship and make me alive again in Christ. That’s my prayer, Jesus make me alive again in you and not shrink back in fear.
God has never made a habit of choosing the people who feel most qualified.
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Yep, God is speaking to me about this.
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Thank you Scarlet.
Beautiful song Tina!! God will always equip us when He asks us to do something out of our comfort zone.
Praying for those in the path of the hurricane. My daughter and her family are at Seagrove.
Praing for your daughter’s safety, Cheryl. ❤️
Oh Tina. What a beautiful gift your weaving of song and testimony was to my soul.
Blessed by the readings, the devotional, and the comments this morning.
Today’s Scripture and devotional was SO good! It resonates with me so personally because I feel like Jesus met me in the same way he met his disciples just 4 or 5 years ago, although I grew up in church and have always loved him!
He doesn’t want us to just come to church and sit and absorb, he wants us to do that but GO and live it, and TELL the World! Why would we not share the good news?? Well, Scarlet said it spot on–SELF! How will I come off, how will I sound, will I be able to answer their questions (pride). Or it could be just to distracted and busy. Either way, we are self-absorbed.
The funny thing is though, I WANTED to DO something more for the Lord. I looked for serving opportunities and ways to be used for him. Then something told me…how can I use you when you don’t even KNOW me!! I hadn’t really KNOWN the Lord- because I was a Christian that hadn’t “been with Jesus” as the passages point to. I knew I needed to read the Bible to know him and spend TIME with him alone regularly. That was in 2014 that I started reading the Bible daily (finding SRT) shortly after that. But reading from front to back was important to get the full impact.
Then…THEN..that is when God was able to use me in the ways he had planned for me. It’s not that I knew Theology after 8 years reading daily—BUT I KNEW HIM! Personally. He had touched me and transformed me!!
I still didn’t feel comfortable praying for people or telling them about Jesus…YET I WANTED to!! I had to trust that Jesus would use this Moses tonque-tied, hard to make my mouth say what my mind knows woman! But he has! And ya’ll have got to hear about my nerves almost overtaking to prevent the Yes’s that I am so joyful that I took!! As scared as they were, and as knobbly as my knees were…I said “yes” because God was wanting to use this unqualified person named Rhonda.
Now I can’t quit telling of His love, mercy, and Grace…taking this sinful, messed-up,down the wrong path girl and turned me into wanting to shine his light and be his disciple. I want to OBEY. I want to Fast. I want to GROW. And then, after being with him…I want others to be with him.
There are so many good songs that come to mind but “Center” by Bethel is so good. When He is my center…everything can flow from there.
Watching you blossom in service has been so encouraging! Keep sharing Jesus and how He is using you! ❤
Yes! Rhonda, your growth has been a beautiful thing to watch ❤️
Your enthusiasm for telling others about the Lord is contagious ❤️
“God didn’t dismiss their inadequacy. He met it with grace.” And this He does for me, every single day! I feel so inadequate to be in ministry. I’m right there with Peter when he says, “go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man!” I think often of those who are far better equipped – in knowledge, in their walk, in spiritual things and I wonder why God would choose me to be a pastor’s wife? I feel so inadequate, so unworthy. But what I can say, I am willing to follow Him – wherever He leads, and I will serve Him – faithfully until my dying day. I cling to His grace every morning when I rise and trust that He knows what He’s doing. And that leaves me to say, may all I say and do be for His honor and glory and may I do it in His strength.
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Happy Friday She’s – hugs to you wherever you are! ❤️
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If you “attended” the SRT summit yesterday as I did, we were one of over 12,000 ladies attending!! All I can say to that is WOW!
Maybe that will lead to a in-person conference one day soon then! I didn’t even hear about it until someone mentioned it here yesterday after the fact!
(Heart) to the rest of your comment!
I would love for SRT to have an in-person conference. Can you imagine meeting everyone here and worshipping together! ❤️
I know, it would be really, really cool for us all to meet in person!!
A couple of years ago I encouraged everyone to send them an email requesting it! We should do that again!
I attended. What an amazing turnout! The speakers were great!
Who were the speakers? Sounds wonderful!
It’s free to watch online until 10/11. I can post the link on the FB page.
Thanks so much!!!
So thankful His mercy is more powerful than my insufficiency! All He asks is for our hearts to be willing and you certainly exemplify that, Sharon! ❤
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SJG
“May all I say and do be for His honor and glory and may I do it in His strength.”
You are worthy!
God knows exactly where he wants you to be placed!
And The Knowing God webinar yesterday was worth with every minute!
So cool! So many quotables!
Go in peace to love & serve the Lord!
“I was being invited to talk about Jesus, and I was saying no because I was thinking about me.”
Scarlet this is so powerfully convicting, but encouraging at the same time! Thank you for sharing what I am sure you felt was a not so stellar moment!
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Praying for those in Hurricane Isaias’ path.
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SONG SHARE:
People Need the Lord
(Older song)
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Oh, great song! ❤️
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Amen
Love the meaning behind today’s scripture! One of my coworkers came to me yesterday and asked for my take on a passage of scripture that has been challenging her. Filled with gratitude that someone would think of me and the Lord would use me to be a witness. I am unqualified, but as today’s message reminds us, he calls the unqualified!
This is amazing susan. You have been the Light of Christ in your workplace and people see it. Dress the spirit will give you the words. I rejoice in your obedience.
Agreed! That is so amazing Susan!!
That’s wonderful, Susan. Living your life is showing your faith and God’s love ❤️
Amen❤️
Lord may my eyes be opened to the things You are doing around me today. May I be changed as a result.
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Interview went well, but the senior project manager thought I was overqualified. She is passing my info on to another department’s senior project manager who hopes to add a position in a month or so. So God knows if I’ll be considered for it. In the meantime I’ll be sending out other resumes. Thanks for your prayers.
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Praying we all have an opportunity to show the love of Jesus to someone today
Thanks for the update, Kelly! I’m not surprised that she would deem you as over-qualified. ❤
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Praying!
Praying as your search continues, that the Lord will lead you to the perfect position ❤️
Praying for God to continue to lead you to the position He has prepared for you ❤️
This really stood out to me because stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t always easy. I think sometimes we wait until we feel ready or qualified, but God doesn’t always call us when we feel that way. He calls us to trust Him and take that step anyway.
Tell me the story of Jesus, came to mind as I read this devotional..
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Write on my heart every word.,
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest ever was heard..
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I tell of the the things that I find amazing, wonderful, super.. why would I not tell of Jesus..
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Fasting alone in the desert,
Tell of the days that are past.
How for our sins He was tempted,
Yet was triumphant at last..
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How can I not tell of the One who saved me, when life throws more lemons at me than needed for lemonade..
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Tell of the years of labour, tell of the sorrow He bore,
He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.
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I have been loved through my sorrow, my distress, my hopelessness, my ever changing life, my mistakes, with the welcoming arms of forgiveness and grace, why would I not tell of the One who saved me.. and continues to save me..
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Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him..
Oh tell how he liveth again.
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I cannot imagine where i would be, but for the price paid on the cross for me..
So let me hear and let me tell the story of Jesus..
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Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep (the tears roll) while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me..
Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word..
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Lord God, may I not only hear, but also Lord, may I, as I hear tell and loudly too..
Thank you that I listened all those years ago.. and looking back, how far I have come in telling of your story., thank you Father God, thank you. In Jesus’s name,
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AMEN.
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Happy Friday you beautiful souls. Sending much love covered in prayers requested or felt to,, and hugs..❤️
That was beautiful tina. Thank you
Beautiful song and reflection, Tina! ❤
Yes! What a simple but profound song!! Why would I NOT?!! Amen!
So beautiful, sister!! ❤️
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Beautiful ❤️
Being in the presence of the Lord changes us. It changed Peter, James and John from fishers of fish to fishers of men, it brought healing to a man with leprosy (and faith!), it healed the paralyzed man, it changed the career (and heart) of a tax collector named Matthew, and it caused much grumbling and angst among the Pharisees and religious leaders. Isaiah is filled with shame at the sin in himself and his people, and Peter and John exuded Jesus’ spirit when called before the high priest and elders.
Father, please help me be so filled with Your spirit that others recognize I’ve been with Jesus for Your glory and my good!
Amen! I hope other recognize Jesus in me today and everyday, too. I also want to be on the lookout for Jesus in others.
Amen.
Yes!!! A-MEN Sally!!
You summed it up perfectly!! “help ME be so filled with YOUR SPIRIT that others recognize I’ve been with Jesus!! for YOUR Glory and MY GOOD!!”
Amen! Sally, your words spoke exactly to what I was noticing this morning as well. All of these folks came away UNABLE to remain silent in the face of what Jesus had done for them! May it be clear to the folks we come in contact with each day that we have been in the presence of the Lord.
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