Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 19

Fasting Devotional – Day Nineteen

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Title: The Disciples Surrender Their Nets

Text: Matthew 4:18–22

Written by: Brian Lambert

Thoughts:

Surrender often happens in ordinary moments, while working, providing, and doing what feels familiar. In Matthew 4:18–22, Jesus steps into the everyday lives of fishermen and issues a simple, but life-changing invitation: “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave their nets and follow Him.

Those nets were more than tools. They represented livelihood, identity, security, and stability. Fishing was how they paid the bills, supported their families, and defined their place in the world. Nets were predictable. Nets were safe. Nets were known. Yet when Jesus called, Scripture says they “immediately left their nets”—and two of them even left their father in the boat. This moment captures the heart of surrender. Jesus did not offer them a detailed plan. He didn’t explain how they would eat, where they would sleep, or what the future would look like. He offered only Himself. And that was enough. Their obedience was not rooted in certainty about outcomes, but in trust in the One who was calling them.

“Surrendering All” means releasing what we depend on most - especially the things that make us feel secure. For the disciples, it was nets and boats. For us, it may be careers, finances, routines, relationships, reputations, or carefully constructed plans. Often, the hardest things to surrender are not sinful things, but good things we rely on more than God.

Notice also the timing of their obedience: immediately. Delayed obedience would have allowed fear, logic, or comfort to talk them out of following. Surrender requires decisiveness. It is a choice to trust God now, not later—before all the questions are answered. And what they received in exchange far outweighed what they released. By surrendering their nets, they stepped into purpose. By leaving security, they found their calling. By trusting Jesus fully, they became part of God’s redemptive work in the world.

Challenge:

As we enter this 2026 season of prayer and fasting, Jesus still calls people to follow Him—not casually, but completely. His invitation still requires surrender. The question is not whether He is worthy of our trust, but whether we are willing to let go of what we’re holding on to. What nets are still in your hands?

This year, may we be a people who don’t cling to comfort, but who surrender all—trusting that following Jesus is always worth the cost.

Prayer:

Jesus, show me what I am holding onto for security instead of trusting You. Give me the courage to release my nets and follow You fully. I choose surrender over safety and obedience over comfort. Amen.