CAST OUT YOUR NET AGAIN!
For the last couple of days, the sense of “try again” has been nudging at me and today it landed with the words, “CAST OUT YOUR NET AGAIN”.
For numbers of us, we have been trying to press into something we have believed is from God, trying to see the way forward, try to get some traction or fruit from what we have believed God has been calling us to, but it has been hard labour for little, if any evidence of productivity for our work. Sometimes it has seemed completely fruitless, a waste of time and it would have been better to have stayed in bed, BUT, today, I have such a sense of urgency around these words:
CAST OUT YOUR NET AGAIN!
You may recall that there are two stories, two times that Jesus said something like this to His disciples. The first time was at the beginning of His ministry, when He was speaking to the crowd on the shore, teaching them the word of God, from Simon Peter’s boat.
“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
(Luke 5:4).
If you remember the story, Simon Peter says yep, been there, done that, all night, caught nothing, very tired, but I will humour you and have another go”. (Paraphrased by Ruth)
The second time was after the resurrection (see John 21:6). This time there was no questioning, but simple obedience - they suddenly knew who the stranger was: it triggered their memories to the other time. This time Peter didn’t bother waiting, but jumped out of the boat to get to Jesus. His response was immediate, with no uncertainty or reservation.
Both times, obedience in the face of weariness, hopelessness, despair and past failure led to an ABUNDANCE of fruit. Don’t miss out!
If you have been in a place where you have believed you are following instructions, following what Jesus has called you to, but have been feeling as though it is all just hard work and it is never going to be different, then the challenge is laid here before you:
CAST OUT YOUR NET AGAIN!
It may be in applying for that job or course, it may be financial investments, it may be trying for reconciliation in a relationship, or healing in your family, or using a gift or ability God has given you, or any number of other dreams you have been pushing into. It may be praying again for a situation you have all but given up on. You may have experienced disappointment, hurt, rejection or just plain fruitlessness in the past, but today, Jesus calls out to you:
CAST OUT YOUR NET AGAIN!
Don’t let your weariness, disillusionment or hurt hold you back.
NOW IS THE TIME!
It may be for this very day, very moment, or it may be as you are seeking Him for His plan for your year. Don’t give up, don’t turn away, don’t believe the lie that it will never work, or that you heard wrong, or did something to mess it up, or prevent it from happening, turn back, pull out your net, muster all your strength of will and throw it out again. I believe Jesus has a wonderful surprise for you when you do!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9