There’s just something about getting our hands or our feet in the dirt that is good for our souls. I know- it sounds weird but it’s true! I think it’s maybe because man was formed from the dirt and then God gave us his breath to give us a soul.
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for soul is nephesh, which literally means “breath.” It’s not some floating ghost-like thing trapped in our bodies, as ancient Greek philosophy might suggest. Instead, it’s our whole being: our emotions, our thoughts, our desires. It’s what makes us… us.
Let’s be honest, when we talk about health, we usually think about hitting the gym, cutting back on sugar, or maybe even getting more sleep. But how often do we think about the health of our souls? Our souls, the very core of who we are, need just as much care and attention as our bodies and minds.
The Invitation That Changes Everything
There’s a moment in the book of Matthew that captures what it means to have a thriving soul. Picture this: Jesus is walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He sees two fishermen, Simon Peter and Andrew, casting their nets and just going about their usual routine. Then Jesus calls out, “Follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people.”
And just like that, they drop their nets and follow Him. No hesitation. No questions. Just a simple yes to an invitation that would change their lives forever.
Can you imagine what must have been running through their minds? They had stable jobs, a routine, a livelihood. Yet, something about Jesus- His presence, His words- compelled them to step into the unknown.
Jesus Meets Us in the Mess
One of the most beautiful things about Jesus is that he doesn’t wait for us to have it all together before he invites us in. He didn’t approach Peter and Andrew with a checklist of qualifications. He didn’t say, “Hey, get your act together first, and then we’ll talk.”
No. He called them right where they were, as they were.
And He does the same for us today. Maybe your life feels messy. Maybe you feel unqualified, broken, or just plain exhausted. But Jesus isn’t looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing ones.
More Than Just a Fan
Here’s the thing: Jesus didn’t just ask people to believe in Him. He asked them to follow Him. There’s a big difference. It’s easy to be a fan: to admire Jesus from a distance, to show up at church on Sundays and feel inspired. But following him? That requires action. It means letting go of our safety nets, stepping into uncertainty, and trusting that Jesus knows what He’s doing.
And yes, following Jesus will cost you something. For Peter and Andrew, it meant leaving their boats behind. For us, it might mean surrendering control, shifting priorities, or stepping into situations we never expected.
But here’s the beautiful part: when we say yes to Jesus, we don’t just watch the miracles—we become part of them.
What’s Your Next Step?
So here’s the question: What’s your next step? Maybe it’s finally saying yes to Jesus and choosing to follow him. Maybe it’s trusting him in an area you’ve been holding back. Maybe it’s stepping into a role you don’t feel ready for.
Whatever it is, don’t let fear keep you on the sidelines. You have no idea what hangs in the balance of your decision. Just like Peter and Andrew, your yes could lead to a story far greater than anything you could plan for yourself.
Jesus is still walking along the shores of our lives, extending the same invitation: Follow me.
The question is—will you say yes?
Comment below where you think Jesus might be asking you to take a step of faith!
ERIK LINDEEN 