Today, I walked into church not knowing how much I needed the message I was about to hear. The sermon topic was simple yet profound: “Let go of what’s holding you back.” It’s amazing how sometimes the words you hear align so perfectly with what your heart needs.

The pastor referenced Mark 1:17-18, where Jesus says, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” And what did they do? “At once they left their nets and followed him.” Think about that for a moment. They left their nets immediately. No hesitation. No excuses. No looking back. Just faith and action.

It got me thinking about how often we hold onto things that keep us stuck—bad habits, toxic relationships, fear of failure, or even just our comfort zones. But if we want to fully follow Jesus and step into the bigger purpose He has for us, we need to let go of those things. Here are three takeaways from today’s message that really resonated with me:

1. Start now.
How often do we say, “I’ll start tomorrow” or “I’ll do it when I’m ready”? The truth is, tomorrow isn’t promised, and there’s no such thing as the perfect time. Whatever you’re willing to do tomorrow, start it today. Whether it’s mending a relationship, breaking a bad habit, or finally stepping into the calling God has placed on your heart, there’s no reason to wait. Take the first step now.

2. Let go.
Letting go isn’t easy. Sometimes, we cling to things because they’re familiar, even if they’re not good for us. But Jesus calls us to leave our “nets” behind—those things that weigh us down and keep us from fully following Him. It might be a habit you know isn’t serving you, a relationship that’s draining your spirit, or even a mindset that’s holding you back. Whatever it is, trust that when you let go, you’re making room for something better.

3. Get going.
Following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily commitment. Change works the same way. You decide once to make the change, but you have to recommit to it every single day. That daily act of faith—choosing to follow Jesus and trust His plan over your own—is what transforms your life. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Today’s message reminded me that God has so much more in store for us than we can imagine, but we have to be willing to take the leap. We have to leave our nets behind, step out in faith, and trust that He will guide us every step of the way.

So, what are you holding onto that’s keeping you from your purpose? What’s one step you can take today to let go and follow Jesus more fully? Let’s make the choice together to start now, let go, and get going. The journey might not be easy, but it’s a journey worth taking.

-Britni Swartz