Following Jesus is about continually taking the next step toward Him—not achieving perfection all at once.

We often get discouraged because we think spiritual growth should be instant, like the disciples immediately dropping their nets and following Jesus. But in reality, it’s a process. Just like Peter, you’ll have moments of meeting Jesus, moments of following Him, and moments of going back to old habits. The key is not to quit when you fall but to get back up and keep moving toward Him.

Jesus calls you to go deeper in your relationship with Him, not just once, but over and over. Before God ever calls you to do something for Him, He calls you to know Him. The “task” will come later, but the first step is relationship.

Sometimes life hits you with needs you don’t know how to meet—money, health, relationships, or just making it through the day. The story of the coin in the fish’s mouth shows us that God sees it all. He knows your needs before you ask, and He can provide in ways that don’t follow human logic. Your job is to trust Him, obey even when the solution feels strange, and watch for how He shows up.

We kicked off our Fish Tales series this week, and we’ve got to be honest,this one hit home. We looked at the very first fishing story where Jesus calls His first disciples, and spoiler alert: He didn’t go after religious experts or people who had it all together. He called regular guys, fishermen. right in the middle of their everyday, ordinary lives.

Here’s the thing… Jesus is still doing that today!

So here’s your challenge: What nets are you still holding onto? What’s keeping you from fully trusting Jesus with your next step?

Following Jesus isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. It’s not just believing in Him, it’s sticking close to Him, letting Him transform you, and living on mission with purpose. If you’ve been walking with Jesus but not really following Him, this message is for you.