Tag: Helplessness

Cast your net on the right side

6 He (Jesus) said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. (John 21:6)

When we respond to life’s difficult, and at times, reoccurring situations the same way over and over again, and keep getting the same undesirable results—possibly it’s time to cast our net on the right side.

One evening, following the resurrection of Jesus, Peter decided to go fishing. Several other disciples joined him. The Lord had instructed His disciples to meet Him in Galilee, which helps to explain why they were at the Sea of Galilee.

The Scripture tells us that the seasoned fishermen came up empty after fishing all night. I imagine they were exasperated, not to mention, tired and hungry. Then it happened! A voice from the shoreline shouted out, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” They replied, “No.” Then He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” “When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish” (John 21:5-6).

God spoke this same message to me recently. No, He didn’t tell me that I would catch a lot of fish, but He did clearly tell me that I’d been fishing on the wrong side for a very long time and coming up empty.

The parallel to Peter’s fish story:

For quite some time now I’ve been trying to fix some problem areas in my life by using my own strategies. Yes, they were prayed over and well-thought out, of course. But just like Peter, my net kept coming out of the sea of human effort totally empty.

Whatever you may be dealing with, an unsaved loved one, a difficult boss/coworker, financial woes, fear of an uncertain future, or XYZ, you don’t have to end up with an empty net.

John, the beloved follower of Christ, was the first one to recognize his Savior’s voice. “It’s the Lord!” And with this jubilant exclamation, Peter grabbed his garments and jumped in the water to meet Jesus at the water’s edge. (John 21:7)

Sometimes others will recognize the Lord’s tender voice before we do. God places these people in our lives, to give us that little extra support and encouragement…at just the right timing.

Jesus is teaching me to “really” listen to his voice when He speaks to me from His Word, or in the quietness of my spirit during prayer. He then waits for me to respond in obedience. Did I wait long enough, or did I rush off to work or jump right into the next project on my list?

Ways to clearly hear the Savior’s voice:

  • Pray
  • Listen intently – through His Word, in the quietness of your spirit
  • Pray
  • Listen intently – through those God appoints in your life, a pastor, godly spouse, friend, etc.
  • Act upon His command and guidance
  • Pray
  • Wait expectantly for the Big Catch!

Remember, if you keep doing the same thing over and over and over again, and continue getting the same undesirable negative results, maybe it’s time to try God’s way…even if it doesn’t make sense.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Our greatest weaknesses (either real or perceived) can become our greatest strength, when we fully surrender them to God.

Identify your weaknesses:

  • Fear
  • Insecurities
  • Worry
  • Doubt
  • Lack of education
  • Past Sins
  • Failures
  • Little or no resources
  • Worldly desires
  • Other

When you fully surrender your weaknesses to God, through prayer, He will teach you to cast your net on the right side, and will fill your net with His abundant and gracious provision.

Holding His Hand:

jesus-providesI love the fact that Jesus not only waits patiently for us to follow His instructions, but He blesses our obedience by warmly nourishing our souls.

The rest of the story:

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.[c] 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 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” (John 21:8-12)

For further study: Judges 6-7

Read the story of Gideon, “the weakest in his family.” Going to battle against the numerous Midianites with only 300 men definitely didn’t make sense, but Gideon chose to fish on the right side and defeated the Midianites.

Don’t Fret!

Me & Mom
Me & Mom

“Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them” (Psalm 17:10).

Don’t fret! Right, easier said than done. When facing a difficult situation, I tend to fret (worry or feel anxious). This is often my first reaction when fear sneaks in. Then as I recall God’s faithfulness, I gradually start to relax and peace comes.

Lying in my bed as a young child, I cried out in deep sorrow. I missed my mother, who passed away when I was seven. No one saw my tears in the dark of the night, I thought. That is until I mysteriously sensed a loving hand reach down and hold me close. This is the best way to describe my first realization of God. I continue to miss my mom, but I now recognize my Heavenly Father who faithfully comforts me with His loving presence.

Trusting the unseen hand of God “in the dark of the night” requires a steadfast faith in God’s goodness and an unquenchable desire for the Word of God.

Holding His Hand

“Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.” – Timothy Keller’s book: Walking with God through Pain and Suffering.

I have found that journaling helps me recall God’s faithfulness in my life. Whenever I face a difficult situation, I’ll pick up one of my journals and read how God has been faithful over and over again throughout the years.