at once/immediately

I want to share with you something the Lord continues to impress on my heart, and it has helped shape some of my most recent prayers. I hope it speaks to someone.

In Matthew 4:18-22 we find Jesus calling his first disciples to come and follow him. It says,

"18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."

A few words and thoughts stick out to me from this short passage of scripture. First, I see that all four men that Jesus called had a job, task and assignment they were busy doing when approached by Jesus. They were "busy" so-to-speak with each of them being familiar with the daily duties that go along with being a fisherman. But what was each of their reactions when instructed by Jesus to come and follow him? They did not mention needing to first finish their job and clean up and catch a few more fish. They listened. They heeded. 

The second thing that sticks out to me is the QUICK response and FAST obedience each of them gave their Master. At once Peter and Andrew dropped everything and started their new assignment. And immediately James and John did the same. 

So how has this affected my prayers? I have been asking the Lord to help me have an "at once" spirit in response to His directives. Jesus did not just call those four men; he commanded them. Whether the Lord is nudging you in a direction of a calling or new assignment or whether there is a command and instruction he is giving you that will most definitely benefit you if you listen and obey, be sure to ask the Lord for a heart that is willing and ready and quick to respond...an "at once" spirit. Then get going!!!