Cast Out The Net
Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be successful
according to the world's definition of success. We are driven by goals
and accomplishments from the day we take our first steps and ride our
first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to accumulate knowledge
and "things" in order to prove our success.
In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success -
one determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The
disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many
challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all night
without a catch, Jesus called from the shore. John 21:6 "He said, 'Throw
your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some {fish}.'
When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large
number of fish."
The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand that
the large number of fish did not define their success. They would have
been successful even if the nets remained empty. They were successful
the moment they were obedient and threw out the net. One thousands years
earlier, King Saul was told to "attack the Amalekites and totally
destroy everything that belongs to them," (1 Samuel 15:3). But Saul
allowed the Amalekite king and the best livestock to survive. He tried
to cover His disobedience by saying the calves and lambs were for a
sacrifice to God. "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt
offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To
obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of
rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22).
In any task we undertake for God, it's easy to become discouraged by our
apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate - and those feelings
increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must remember, the
outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. God doesn't need our
"fish" - He wants our devotion and trust. He desires that we love Him
with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let's take our eyes off
the accomplishment of the "catch" and what we can produce. Rather, let's
focus on walking each step according to His leading. Let's concentrate
all our effort on obeying His call to cast out the net. Amen!
Have a Great Day in the LORD!
[ Author Unknown -- from 'E-Mail Ministry' ]
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