VISION IS RISKY

READ; John 21: 1 - 7 1 Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. 3 Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. 4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. 5 He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied. 6 Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. (NLT)

Dawn comes, and there are some frustrated fishermen. Have you ever gone fishing and caught nothing? I have. That lousy bumper sticker that says, "A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work." is wrong. At least I have something to show for a good day at work. (OK, that may just be me. If you disagree, we're still friends.). 

So a lone voice from the shore calls out. "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" Peter probably hung his head in shame. A professional fisherman who didn't catch any fish? But lying is still a sin, so out with it. "NO!" That had to pour some salt on a wound.  

Then the voice says, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" What?!? I can imagine the looks on their faces. 

But for the moment, do you see what I see. They didn't know it was Jesus.  

Great acts of faith are often birthed from significant moments of frustration. You will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in your heart, but you will not recognize it. You may think, "Where did that come from?" Or "I've got a crazy idea." Being willing to admit, "I have failed." is frustrating. But being willing to listen is rewarding.  

Pray: Dear Jesus, I want to hear You. Please help me quiet my heart, set aside my frustrations, and hear Your voice. Help me do great acts of faith today, like, praying for someone at work or inviting someone to church this Sunday with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. AMEN. 

Photo by Jack Sloop on Unsplash