In every area of life it is great to work when we can see the fruit of our labor. But working without achieving something tangible is not fun, but frustrating. The Bible tells us about a situation like this. You can read it in Luke 5:1-11.
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At daybreak Jesus returned from a peaceful time along the lake shore. The multitude gathered, seeking to hear the Master. The disciples had just returned from a fruitless night of labor.
Peter had John, the Baptist on his mind, now in jail. Following Jesus was a great challenge, as the religious leaders were opposing his ministry. To make things worse, this time, not even his work as an experienced fisherman, brought him gain. His heart harbored a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions, fatigue, doubts, frustrations, longings, and the need for provision was tangible, as this was his source of income to provide for his family.
Jesus, in the boat, asked Peter to row the boat a little away from the shore, and from there, he spoke to the anxious crowd, hungry for words of life. Once finished he asked Peter to row into the deep water and let his nets down. This and more might have crossed the mind of the disciples:
—Are you serious?
—In plain daylight?
—Have you forgotten this is not the best time to even try?
A statement of faith!
Exhausted and empty-handed, Peter decided to believe Jesus and trust his word.
“Master,” Simon answered, “we have worked hard all night long and have not caught a thing. But if you tell me to, I will let the nets down” (Luke 5:5).
Lessons woven in the nets
What followed was a wonderful manifestation of the divine power, that gave the disciples the assurance that who was in front of them:
- Is the Son of God.
- Knows the longings of their heart.
- Has the power to work in the most adverse situations.
- Is able to meet ALL of their needs.
- Hears and answers the cry of their hearts.
- Loves them profoundly.
- In the life of those who obediently follow his leading, Christ has the last word!
Promise for this week:
“Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish” (Luke 5:10, last part)
You might find yourself tired, frustrated, and hopeless. Maybe you are watching your most treasured dreams vanish like fog when the sun shines. Instead of spiritual progress in those for whom you are praying for, does it seem like they are further away, less interested, more into so many other things?
Jesus has the last word!
Like Peter, you and I need to work by faith in the Word of God. Not by sight, but by faith. Not because we saw a positive indicator, but because Jesus said that you and I should labor.
Just like the net did not emerge from the water empty, God’s Word will not return void. Jesus told Peter, and all of his disciples across all ages: “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.”
I personally choose to believe Jesus’ words. I choose to continue praying until I see my net full and overwhelmed by God’s manifestation of power, working in answer to our submission and obedience.
My prayer: Dear heavenly Father, you are faithful. Your Word is truth! Although I may have worked fruitlessly, I believe in you. I thank you for your promise. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and use me as a fisher of men. I thank you because those you have given me, and many others, will come to Jesus’ feet; for in His name I pray and let the net down, Amen.
PLEASE, SHARE THIS PROMISE, THAT IT MAY BECOME A BLESSING IN YOUR FAMILY AND MANY MORE FAMILIES.
This prayer initiative is not done by chance. Each week we set aside this time to fast and pray specifically for this purpose.
Who? We invite YOU. Join us in prayer and fasting for our children and family.
When? Each Friday, from 1:00 pm, up to Sabbath at 1:00 pm.
How? After our lunch on Friday, we start fasting: We skip our Friday supper and we also skip breakfast on Sabbath morning. We finish our fast on Sabbath at 1:00 pm (just in time to have the Sabbath lunch with our friends and family!).
NOTE: You can adjust this to your medical needs. One may opt to partially fast by drinking only natural fruit juices or by eating some raw fruit instead of abstaining from food. But it is important that we unite in prayer for our purpose.
Tips for this special time:
- Silently study today’s Bible verse (s).
- Set aside different times throughout the day/night to talk to God regarding your loved ones and those you wish to see in heaven. Prayerfully ask the Lord to fulfill this specific promise in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones.
- Please, remember there are many more united in prayer for this purpose. When you pray, please include a request for all the families united in this endeavor.
- You may want to write this weekend’s Bible verse(s) and place it where it is visible, as a personal reminder.
- When it is time to end the fasting (In time for Sabbath lunch with the family, thank God for the victory that He will give to your family and the rest of the families united in prayer.
Remember: We can achieve victory through prayer.
May the Lord bless you abundantly and grant you the requests of your heart according to His promise and great mercy.
©Rhodi Alers de López
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