That night they caught nothing. - John 21:3
The disciples, including Peter, a master fisherman, struggled all night and "caught nothing." Based on experience alone you'd think they'd have caught something - but not this time. There's a lesson here.
Sometimes God lets us struggle to teach us that despite all our skill and experience, some problems can't be solved by planning, budgeting or trying to figure them out. Those problems are resolved, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord" (Zec 4:6).
Maybe you're ready to give up the fight because what worked for you in the past isn't working now. If so, here are two things about Jesus you need to remember:
(1) He's closer than you think! Listen: "When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore" (Jn 21:4). In spite of your turmoil, your experiences with those who've disappointed and hurt you, the frustrations and futility of your own efforts, Jesus is closer - much closer - than you think! David says, "Weeping m ay endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Ps 30:5). Did you hear that? Joy is coming; don't lose hope!
(2) He's there - even when you can't see Him! When morning broke the disciples were able to see the Lord on the beach. It wasn't that He couldn't reach them, it was just that He didn't need to get into the middle of their struggle, to speak into it and deliver them.
Hang in there, God's at work! When the morning comes you'll see Him as you've never seen Him before, and understand things in a way you never understood them before.
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