The Call – the reminder and remembrance of who we are in Jesus.

Following Jesus From the Edges

REMEMBERING THE CALL

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 17, 2026

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6; John 21:15-17; Revelation 2:4-5

There are moments in life when we don’t lose our faith— we just forget our calling. Not because it’s gone…but because life gets loud.

Responsibilities pile up. Discouragement settles in. Days turn into routines, and somewhere along the way, the fire that once burned begins to flicker. Paul writes to Timothy and says, “Fan into flame the gift of God…”

That tells me something important—the flame is still there. It just needs stirred.

Peter needed that reminder. After the resurrection, he went back to fishing. Back to what he knew. Back to what felt safe. Yet Jesus meets him on the shore—not with condemnation, but with a question:

“Do you love me?” Three times. Not to shame him, but to remind him. How many times do we need reminded of God’s love, our call, our identity as a follower of Jesus, and so many other things.

Then Jesus says, “Feed my sheep.”

In other words: Peter, don’t forget who you are. Don’t forget what I placed inside of you. Don’t forget what I called you to.

We all have those “back to fishing” moments. Moments where we drift. Moments where we settle. Moments where we forget that our lives were meant for something more than just getting through the day.

And then Jesus shows up again. Sometimes through Scripture. Sometimes through a quiet nudge. Sometimes through a conversation or a moment that just won’t let go. And He asks the same question: “Do you love me?”

Because calling is always rooted in relationship.

In Revelation, the church is reminded: “You have forsaken the love you had at first… Remember… and return.” I think in many instances that is being spoken to the church today. It is not who we are but who’s we are and how we allow that to be lived out in our everyday lives.

Remember. That’s where it begins.

Remember when you first felt His presence.

Remember when His Word came alive.

Remember when you knew—without a doubt—that He was calling you.

That calling hasn’t changed. You may have grown tired. You may have gotten distracted. You may have questioned yourself. But Jesus hasn’t changed His mind about you.

From the edges, here’s the truth: You don’t need a new calling—you need a fresh reminder. Fan the flame. Return to your first love. Listen again for His voice. And when you hear it…take the next step. Not the whole journey—just the next step.

Because the same Jesus who called you then…is calling you still.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Remind me of who I am in You. Stir again what has grown quiet in my life. Where I have drifted, draw me back. Where I have forgotten, help me remember. Fan into flame the calling You have placed within me, and give me courage to take the next step. I am listening, Lord. Call me again. Amen.