By: Juliet Constantine
But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
They caught nothing! After toiling all through the night, these experienced fishermen caught nothing. They had nothing to show for their wearisome toil except the frustration that lined their faces. They did everything they knew how on the deep seas. But on this historical night, their vast experience did not help them to be successful. In-spite-of working hard and smart, they caught nothing. As the morning light appears, they finally gave up their quest and headed back to shore.
As they neared, approximately 109 yards from shore, a lone figure on the beach asked if they caught any food. To their answer in the negative, He then instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat where they would find some fishes. Though experienced and even knowing that you won’t catch fish in shallow water, yet they obeyed. To the amazement of these six disciples, they caught 153 large fishes from this almost shallow water! Question, surprise and laughter now replaced the lines of frustration on their faces. Unbelievable! This was too good to be true. But it was real. They immediately realized that it was Jesus. Only He could change an empty frustrated night into one of historical success and incomprehensible joy. Only He can put the smile on a face that has been beaten down with disappointment and care. Only He can change the story and gives it a beautiful ending. Nothing is impossible when we put our trust in God. Just trust Him.
It’s only a pity that the rich young ruler didn’t know this truth. He was unwilling to give up all to follow Jesus into full-time ministry. He could not envision himself as a full-time missionary with Jesus. He just wanted to continue doing the little he was accustomed to doing while enjoying his luxury and comfort. Yet, not all was like this young man. There were others who trusted God, left it all and followed Jesus. Peter and the other disciples had given up much. Yet there’s no report that their families were ever in need. Jesus, in response to Peter’s observation of the disciples’ great sacrifice for the ministry, confirmed that “there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” All you need to do is just trust Him!
With which incident can you relate?
Have you toiled ‘all night fishing’ but caught ‘nothing’? Are you now ready to obey the command to “cast your net on the right side of your boat”? Just trust Him! After realizing your miraculous ‘catch of large fishes’ can you see yourself forsaking it all to follow Christ? Just trust Him. Could it be that you are accomplished and in need of nothing – but can do more for the cause of Christ? Are you willing to commit your time and/or more of your resources to God’s work? Just trust Him. Are you now ready for a change of career? Is God calling you to full-time ministry? Trust Him! Are you worried about the welfare of your loved ones? Why not trust Him to lead you where He wants you to be? Whatever your needs, He will supply it all, and many times more than you could’ve provided yourself.
Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God. Just trust Him.
Dear Father, thank You for the reminder that nothing is impossible when we put our trust in You. We have heard Thy call and with joy our hearts respond to Thee. Use us for Your glory we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
