Peter, James,
and John spent all night fishing and had caught nothing. As they were washing out
their nets, Jesus told them to go back out and let down their nets and then
they would catch fish (Luke 5:1-5). Suppose an optimist and a pessimist were
also on the boat. Which one is you?
The Pessimist says: "Go out again? Why didn’t you tell us this before we washed out our nets? We already wasted an entire night out there. The fish aren’t out there! It won’t do any good.” The Optimist says: "It doesn’t make sense, but I will trust you even though I don’t understand.”
God did have a purpose for their empty nets. It was to show them that He could provide for them when their own efforts failed. When they threw out their nets, they caught so many fish that their nets began to break (Luke 5:6). Pessimist says: “Oh no! The nets are breaking so now I’ve got to repair them.” Optimist says: “Look at all the fish! We can sell them and buy new nets and a new boat. Thank you, Jesus!”
The pessimist complains when the nets are empty, and complains again when the nets are full! We can choose to look at the positive side of each situation or the negative side. The optimist sees the donut. The pessimist sees the hole.
They filled both of the boats with so many fish that they began to sink (Luke 5:7). Pessimist says: “Oh no! God is sinking our boats! These nets are so heavy! My back is killing me! Call a doctor. I think I threw my back out. I'll sue!" Optimist says: “Wow! God is blessing our boats! This is great! I've never seen a haul like this before. Only God could do this!”
And when they had brought their boats to the land, they left everything and followed Him. (Luke 5:11) They left their boats behind. They left behind their tremendous haul of fish they had just caught because they found a higher calling. Pessimist says: “I’m losing my fishing business!” Optimist says: “I’m gaining eternal life!”
Peter and the other disciples were convinced if Jesus could provide that many fish, then He could provide all their other needs as well if they followed Him. Many people have never figured that out. Have you? But first you might have to leave your “fish” behind. www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com www.makinglifecount.net
