One night following Jesus’ resurrection, after He had appeared to His disciples at least twice, Peter and some of the other Disciples were together. The gospel of John, chapter 21 includes,
“I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them. “We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples did not know it was Jesus.
5 “Men,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” “No,” they answered. 6 “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” He told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish.
They had fished all night and caught nothing. Most fishermen can relate to this experience. Most women and other cooks can relate to attempting to prepare a nice meal and it not coming together as planned.
Peter saw Christ die. He knew how the Jewish leaders planned the persecution of any of Jesus’ followers. Then Jesus was resurrected, and He had met with Peter and the other Disciples, more than once in His resurrected body.
Perhaps Peter was perplexed about all this and his own future. Or having been locked in this upper room, waiting for a couple of weeks Peter needed to get out. He needed time to think through all this, and he wanted to do it in a familiar setting. So, he went fishing. We read that he had caught zero fish all night.
Peter returned to something he knew. Something he was good at and comfortable doing. Each person that is a child of God has a purpose, a mission to fulfill. You have a skill set to be used to further the God’s Kingdom by fulfilling your God-given purpose. You are a unique person, designed by God and gifted for a specific purpose.
Do you know your spiritual gifts? What are your natural skills and abilities? What do you love doing? What is your passion? God has given you a passion that coincides with your purpose. Your life’s experiences are exclusive to you alone.
God has mixed all these things together with your individual personality to make you a one-of-a-kind. Out of the 8,019,876,189 living people on earth, not one of them has the same mix as you. Not one of the 7 billion who have lived before you had the same mix as you, and no one ever will. That is how unique God created you.
Peter followed Jesus’ instructions. Jesus simply suggested to throw the net out on the opposite side of the boat. Following Jesus’ one instruction, the disciples pulled in a net so full it should have been breaking.
The disciples spent the night trying in their own effort to catch fish and came up empty. Yet, the disciples found out very quickly that by listening to Jesus’ one instruction, following His coaching, their net was filled to capacity and more.
Who are you listening to? Jesus has the exact counsel you need in every situation. Will you listen and follow His instruction as did the Disciples in this passage? God alone knows the limit of the nets He has provided for you.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.