Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I'm going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn't catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
John 21:1-6
Peter, James and John were all commercial fishermen before Jesus called them to follow Him. These men had made a living fishing in these waters. If anyone knew how, where and when to fish it would have been them. I don't suppose anyone would fish all night without an expectation of success. But there was no success. They caught nothing!
Then comes Jesus to the event! Jesus told them to put their net down on the other side of the boat and right away it was full of fish. John recognized Jesus first, but Peter jumped in the water and swam to shore!
When you are failing, even at what you know the best, look for Jesus on the shore! When you are disappointed at the outcome of your best efforts, look for Jesus on the shore! When all your expectations are destroyed by the cruel realities of life, look for Jesus on the shore. Not only look for Jesus, but listen for His advice. Jesus will tell you where to put down your nets.
When Peter and the others put down their nets on the other side of the boat the fish filled the nets to overflowing. But the important thing about that morning was not the nets full of fish. The truly exciting part of that day was the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ! When Jesus shows up in your life, everything else pales in comparison!
"Lord Jesus, I have worked hard at fishing for men, but the net is empty. Show me today where to put down the net. Teach me to fish for the men and women who you have also called to follow you! Praise Your name forever. Amen."
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