Jesus knows the Answer

John 21:1, 4-7a  Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberius (Sea of Galilee)…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.  Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

       This post resurrection appearance was about a week after Jesus’ resurrection.  He had instructed the disciples to go to Galilee and wait for him there.  Since they were fishermen, and from that region, they went fishing.  When Jesus called them, Luke 5:1-11, they had experienced a No Fish day too.  Jesus had told them where to cast their nets, and they were rewarded with a huge catch.  When Jesus appeared in this passage and questioned them, they did not recognize him.  When he told them where to cast their nets and there was suddenly an abundance of fish,  they immediately recognized Jesus.

      When you are defeated and discouraged, where do you turn?  God is merciful and promises to never leave us nor forsake us, Deuteronomy 31:6.  Often we experience defeats or frustrations during our days activities.  Do you ask God to send you an encouragement or look to Him for comfort, strength and courage?  Defeats and disappointments come with daily living but do not need to define or hold us captive.  When you are tempted to slip into depression or discouragement, remember fear does not come from God.  Lamentations 3:55-57  I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit.  You heard my pleas:  “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.”  You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”   Psalm 40:1-2 also speaks of the pit we often find ourselves in,  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.   He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

      Today when you encounter a challenge, look to Jesus.  Call upon Him to pull you up and out and set you on solid ground.  He will give you a firm place to stand and the confidence to move forward.  Jesus knows the answer to your problem, trust Him today.

Look to Jesus today.   He is waiting with an answer for you!

Linda

Shore at the Church of the Primacy of St Peter where this story took place.

Sea of Galilee at dawn a few miles from the story’s location.