Leaving It All Behind: A Captain Worth Following

by Jeff Cranston

One of our favorite places to visit is Annapolis, Maryland—a charming harbor town full of history, good food, and special memories. From the U.S. Naval Academy to local ice cream spots, it’s a place that always refreshes our souls. One summer afternoon, we took our nine-year-old grandson Cade on a boat ride aboard the Miss Anne, a small tour boat that floats along the quiet waters of Spa Creek, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.

As we cruised along, our friendly captain, Capt. Lee, turned to Cade and asked, “Son, would you like to drive the boat?” Cade’s wide-eyed wonder quickly turned to action as he stepped into the wheelhouse, hands gripping the wheel, receiving simple instructions like, “Aim for that steeple.”

Why Is Obedience So Hard—And So Powerful?

I’ll admit, as Cade guided the boat toward a narrow opening beneath a drawbridge, I got a little nervous. But Cade listened, obeyed, and trusted. He held his course with boats on either side and the current pulling at us. He made it through beautifully. He succeeded because he listened to the voice of the captain.

That moment reminds me so much of Luke 5, where Simon Peter, a seasoned fisherman, is told by Jesus to cast his nets again after a long, unproductive night. Peter was tired, skeptical, and probably frustrated—but he obeyed anyway. The result? A miraculous catch that nearly sank their boats.

How Does Jesus Call Us to More Than Comfort?

Peter’s response wasn’t pride. It was humility: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” But Jesus didn’t go away. He invited Peter into a new calling: “From now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10)

That’s the kind of Savior Jesus is. He sees us in our doubt, exhaustion, and even sin—and calls us to trust, obey, and follow.

Are You Still Running, or Ready to Follow Jesus?

There are many people who still shrink away from Jesus, just like Peter did at first. Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe it’s fear. But the truth is: Jesus doesn’t push us away—He invites us closer. He says, “Follow Me.”

And when we do? Everything changes.

So let me ask you: Who’s steering your life right now? Are you trusting your own instincts, or listening to the voice of the Captain of your soul?

Today, you can say yes to the One who made you, loves you, forgives you, and calls you into the greatest adventure of all: following Jesus.