What does it take to say yes to Jesus when it means leaving comfort behind?
In this first episode of Season 3, Tim Shuck is joined by Cheryl Fletcher and Matt Weston to reflect on Luke 5:1–11 and the moment Jesus called the first disciples to leave everything and follow him. Together, they share personal stories of unexpected turning points, difficult seasons, and the courage it takes to trust God one step at a time.
This conversation sets the tone for Season 3 by helping us see that courage doesn’t always feel bold in the moment, but it often leads to deeper roots in Jesus.
Episode Highlights
Why courage often begins with discomfort
The moment Peter left everything to follow Jesus—and what that means for us today
What happens when you say yes to God and things don’t turn out the way you expected
How God often reveals only the next step, not the whole plan
The difference between reckless faith and courageous obedience
How seasons of loss and uncertainty can deepen intimacy with Jesus
Why the courageous choice is often the one that stretches you most
“One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”
Featured Guests
Cheryl Fletcher (Novo Board Member & Pastor-in-Residence at APU)
Cheryl shares powerful reflections from decades of ministry, including the courage it took to leave a stable church role and step into the unknown—just weeks before the world shut down in 2020. Her story is a reminder that obedience isn’t measured by outcomes, but by intimacy with Jesus.
Matt Weston (Novo's Chief Operating Officer)
Matt talks honestly about leaving a secure ministry role to join Novo and the difficult season that followed when plans didn’t unfold the way he expected. His story highlights how God often uses disruption to form our identity more deeply.