7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, but even with so many the net was not torn.
What would give discouraged fishermen encouragement? Obviously, to catch fish. Jesus did the unexpected. Not only did they catch fish, but more than they could imagine. They were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. It was too heavy for the seven of them to lift without tipping the small fishing vessel. When they obeyed His instructions, they were blessed. Suddenly, John recognized that it was Jesus. Peter was so excited; he couldn’t contain himself. He had to do what he did before, he jumped into the water and swam to shore because of his love for the Lord.
When we need encouragement there is no better one than Jesus who knows our need. When we give up and let go, God comes in power of the resurrected Jesus and gives us hope again. Jesus is alive, loves you, and wants what is best for you and for His own glory.
Jesus challenges us in our inabilities and weaknesses to give up and come to Him, not for the purpose of Him achieving our goals and wants. The call to follow Jesus is the call to change the direction of our lives from our desires and priorities to His.
Perhaps you are discouraged in your Christian life. There is change ahead, if not change in responsibility, then in the change of heart. There is One who wants to encourage you, not punish you. He wants us to trust and obey Him. There is blessing far more than what we can imagine.
Interestingly, Jesus kept the disciples at the same ol’ spot. Change of environment isn’t necessarily going to help.
Some people think all I need to do is change husbands or wives and then it will go better. Change jobs and I would be free from problems. There needs to be an inward change.
The fishermen were the same disciples. They used the same old net. They had the same , same old boat, same fishing knowledge, and the same people. Listen first to the voice of Jesus. Is He telling you to keep at it and fish on the other side?
This was for the immediate blessing, so they might know Jesus to be Lord and Master over their lives. But indeed, this was the step Jesus used to show them another change was ahead. This change did require new places, additional friends, and not staying in the boat or the same job. They were to be called fishers of man instead of fish. He brought them to a higher understanding of life that brought greater rewards.
Maybe you are struggling in your own wisdom and power and the Lord likes you where you are and with what you’ve got. He wants to encourage you again to remain where you are but with renewed encouragement in His wisdom. What is needed is the Holy Spirit and the power from God. What is ahead may surprise you when you obey.
Application: Perhaps another verse that is applicable today is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him. And he shall direct your paths.” Prov 3:5,6
Prayer: Lord, I pray this verse over any discouragements today. I trust You Lord and I put on the garment of Praise for this Spirit of heaviness. You will direct my path and I pray that You change my desires and priorities to Yours.
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