EncounterLife Jesus' CallingSample

 Trusting God When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Commercial fishing is tough work. No sitting on the bank, relaxing and unwinding. It’s long hours of chasing a catch, mending nets, cleaning the deck, and bringing fish to market. In good weather and bad, it’s hard, blue-collar toil. Peter was exhausted, stressed, and anxious. Jesus meets him here.

Imagine being in Peter’s shoes. You’ve worked a long shift all night, trying desperately to catch something, anything. With every passing second, you feel the financial strain mounting, the pressure to produce something to pay for the boat, the dock time, and the pile of bills. Something has to give. Discouraged and ready to quit, you cut your losses and head to shore. You want to go home, grab a bite, and crawl into bed. Your legs are lead, and your eyes are stinging. What a worthless night.

Then Jesus calls your name. You wince, tired and spent, but oblige. After all, it is Jesus. Reluctant, you climb back into the boat where you’ve just spent the entire night. Just a few more hours, and it will all be over. Jesus finishes addressing the crowd, looks at you and says, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets.” Really? More fishing? Doesn’t He know what you’ve been doing all night? Doesn’t He know you’re exhausted? This is the last thing in the world you want right now.

In this decisive moment, Peter receives something He would need for the rest of his days: the grace of God.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Jesus comes to us where we are and invites us to join Him. In the midst of daily life, with all our cares, worries, and fears, He calls us to partner with Him to make an impact. He’s not looking for the talented, gifted, or strong. We simply obey, and He moves. He understands our weakness. His grace is sufficient.

THE DAY YOU CHOSE TO FOLLOW JESUS, HE BEGAN TO FORM YOU FOR HIS MISSION

God meets us with grace when we follow His lead. Every time.