One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20, NLT)

Reading this passage about Peter and Andrew being called by Jesus my mind immediately goes to two places: the old Yiddish proverb that says, “Man plans, and God laughs, ” and the children’s Sunday School song, “I Will Make You Fishers of Men.” 

As a child, I would sing this song and cast my imaginary fishing line out into the world and at that time I had no idea what a crazy risk it was for Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus. I now realize that they probably had life all planned out—grow their business, raise a family, do their best, and enjoy life.

But then Jesus called and God laughed.

Peter and Andrew had no idea that following Jesus would mean having their lives sung about by children and displayed on flannel graphs throughout the world. They had no idea they would be public speakers, healers, gospel writers, and world-changers, and that they would walk, talk and partner with the Creator of the Universe—the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

We have no idea . . .

Years ago, when my daughters were in elementary school, my wife and I bought a home and we chose the location carefully—the house was in a nice neighborhood and the nearby junior high and high school were excellent. It was perfect—a good place, good schools, and a good plan. But the year before our oldest child entered junior high we got an opportunity, took a risk, and moved to South Korea to teach for two years at an international school.

And God laughed.

Neither of my daughters ever went to the junior high and high school in our neighborhood. That two year stint overseas turned into eight years of new friends, meaningful work and life changing adventure. We all grew deeply in our faith and saw Jesus work in our midst and through our lives in unimaginable ways. We had no idea. And now, when I look back and think of my plans verses God’s hand of faithfulness in my life—I laugh.

You and I have no idea of all that God wants to do with our lives. We have no idea what He wants to accomplish in and through us today. We plan, Jesus calls and God laughs.

Follow Jesus.