John 21:1-6 tells us “Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 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.”
Peter was a fisherman by trade, he had denied and forsaken Jesus as he was being crucified, and when Jesus died, he was so discouraged and lacking in faith that he went back to what he knew best; he went fishing. God had allowed all of this to happen for a reason, He wanted Peter to understand and know that God’s faithfulness and restoration power was much deeper than Peter could realize.
Peter and the other disciples had tried in their own strength to catch fish. They tried to provide for themselves, but in this passage we can see how God was at work pulling the rug of self-dependence out from under their feet. Depending on your own strength does not produce supernatural results. Supernatural results only arise from dependence on and obedience to God.
Jesus was challenging them, causing them to look to Him alone for the breakthrough. He asked them the obvious question “Do you have any fish?” Of course He knew the answer, but He was about to do something spectacular and He really wanted to drive His point home!
Jesus then speaks a miracle word! I believe that as He spoke the words, “Throw your nets on the right side and you will find some” that all the fish in the Ocean began to listen. This was the same voice that had spoken them into existence. Those fish were irrepressibly drawn to the net the moment Jesus spoke the word.
Jesus was at work showing Peter that if you follow and obey God, you can expect Him take care of your needs supernaturally. If you’re called to do God’s work, God will supply all the needs. After this mighty miracle, Jesus restored Peter and commissioned him to feed the flock of God. What a merciful and compassionate God we serve!
These principles are also true when applied to fishing for the hearts of people with the gospel. Time and again, as we have stepped out in faith, we have had many share their story of how they had been drawn to a service or Festival and had no idea why. They were hearing the voice of Jesus, the great fisher of men, speaking to their hearts. The one who spoke them into existence was now drawing them to that meeting!
Deep within the heart of every human being is a desire for a relationship with God, some just don’t know it yet! As the disciples drew in the net, they were unable to haul it in because there were so many fish. When you do things God’s way you get God’s results! They heard Jesus speak, obeyed that voice and a tremendous miracle took place.
I believe this world is heading into a season of revival and great harvest. The Church has fished all night and in so many instances the results have not been so great. There are those who have labored in some places and found it very hard. But I believe there is a new season of revival and great harvest coming, and we must be those who are willing to go where Jesus leads and let down the nets at His Word.
And in your own life, as you take steps of faith as God leads you, I believe the Lord of the harvest will draw a miracle catch of fish into the nets that you have let out for the gospel.Recently, we have received a number of wonderful reports of miracles and breakthroughs from our many ministry partners. I believe God is moving supernaturally to fill our nets till they burst! I encourage you today, to continue to follow Jesus, continue to walk in obedience to Him and as you do, you will see supernatural results!
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