WE SEEK THE COMMON THREAD that binds us together. Many of our associations are built on shared beliefs.
We thrive on changing people's minds and live trying to persuade others.
Jesus came to change the mind of humanity about God. He went around building bridges and not walls. 'For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.' (Ephesians 2:14)
The Narrative
PEOPLE WERE DRAWN to him because he had the word of life. They never heard anyone teach like Jesus. (Mark 1:22)
As he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, the people pressed around him to listen to the word of God.
There were two boats by the lake, and the fishermen just left them to scrub their nets. Jesus got into Simon's boat.
He told him to put out a little from the shore. But when he was done speaking, he turned to Simon and said, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." (Luke 5:4)
His command was precise. His words were prescriptive and descriptive.
Change your thinking
JESUS WANTED PETER to change his thinking. He planned to bring him into the fold.
Anytime God gives you a command, he is trying to help you align your thoughts to His. And as a man thinks in his heart, so he is. (Proverbs 23:7)
"Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net," Peter replied. (Luke 5:5)
Failure is temporary
HIS RESPONSE showed how he saw Jesus. And where he was, wasn't him.
Failure has a way of making people come up with excuses, but no one has ever excused themselves to success.
Excuses feel good, but you have to stop making them.
Peter had been listening to Jesus. He knew that Jesus had authority.
His response was emotional. The failure stood between him and the future. Although it planted a flag of reality, Peter knew that the words of Jesus weren't ordinary.
Speak with the voice of faith
WHEN HE RESPONDED TO JESUS in the affirmative, he spoke with the voice of faith. He aligned to the plan and purpose of God, and the heavens opened over him.
If you want the heavens to open, you must obey God's word. You must speak with the voice of faith.
Life is ever great when you decide to live under the authority of God's words. And all these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.. (Deuteronomy 28:2-12)
Catch the Revelation
PETER CAST THE NET. They caught many fishes and had to call the other fishermen to assist. They filled both boats with their catch.
When he saw what happened, he fell at the feet of Jesus. He said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (Luke 5:8)
The miracle swept him off his feet—he caught the revelation of worship.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
PETER HEEDED THE WORDS OF JESUS. He got the chance to rewrite his story.
He went to where he has never been. His experience redefined his impossibilities.
It's time to take your personal narrative to where God wants it. He cares about where you've been and much more where you should be.
Have a great week.