Keep Fishing, Don’t Quit

Read:

Luke 5:1-11, One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch, Simon answered, 'Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!' For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.' So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."

Think:

On a rickety fishing boat smelling of fish, Peter discovered what happens when you join faith and effort. The crowd on the beach was so great that Jesus needed a buffer, so He preached from Peter’s boat. Then He told the apostle to take him fishing. Peter was exhausted, but Jesus knew he would be a masterful fisher of men in the years to come. He knew there were lessons to be learned on that stinky, rattletrap boat. Peter relented and turned the boat away from the shore. This was Peter’s way of saying, “God, I trust Your way is best.” The result? Their nets overflowed with fish. God wanted to teach Peter — and us — that fishing for men won’t be easy, quick, or tidy. But it will be worth it! Fishing for people requires patience, but He promises He will be with us wherever we go.

Act:

Name someone who has been difficult to speak with about faith and ask God for another opportunity and the words to say.

Pray:

God, encourage me today. You are with me. Please help me remember Your presence and power and show me today who needs You. Amen.