Never alone

​1-24-21
Today's devotion is based on Mark 1:16, "As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen."
Simon Peter's story began with being seen by Jesus as he toiled away at his everyday job. Jesus saw into Peter's heart, which was capable of great love but also deeply flawed, and called him anyway. The beginning of Peter's life-changing kingdom adventure was being seen in all his humanity and loved despite his imperfections.
It's no different for you and me. Jesus sees you toiling away at your everyday tasks. He sees you and calls you into deep and intimate friendship with him and then on into his kingdom work. Where does he see you today? Perhaps you are not fishing but employed in some other vocation? Or are you retired or struggling to find a job? Jesus issues you the same invitation. Might he be saying to you, 'I see you; I know you; I love you. Come; follow me, and take part in what I'm already doing in the world. Come on a life-changing kingdom adventure …'
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, gracious God, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; thank you for inviting me to be yours in the waters of my baptism.  When times are tough and I feel alone, remind me that you still see me.  In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen