Today’s devotion is based on Week 2 of “Tough Love”: Challenges Perspective! (WATCH HERE)
Riley Gaines didn’t start her schooling career with an ambition to be an advocate for protecting women’s sports from men infiltrating it. However when she was forced to give up a swimming championship to a man allowed to compete in the women’s swimming event, her mission changed. She didn’t want other girls who worked their whole lives to compete at their best to be out done by a man who was given the ability to compete as a woman. She has become the face of the effort to keep only biological women in women’s sports.
Perhaps there is an event in your life that has changed your perspective on some issue. Navigating my father-in-law’s recent stroke and illness has made us acutely aware of what is needed to ensure someone else can come in and care for you if needed, transfer of financial responsibilities and perhaps the need for long-term care insurance.
When events in life happen, it can change our focus and our ambitions.
The interaction of Jesus and Peter did just that for Peter.
Peter was keeping an ear for Jesus’ teaching as he was cleaning his nets after spending a whole night fishing. He was cleaning his nets, because he had every ambition to go out again fishing the next night or in the near future.
However, when he cast those same nets in the deep water as Jesus had said, he saw such a catch of fish that almost landed two fishing boats at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee.
Here is his reaction:
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Two things became crystal clear for Peter.
First he was standing in the presence of God, and didn’t deserve to because he was sinful.
Second, his life was forever changed from the ambition of being a great fisherman in Galilee to the mission of Jesus to save souls.
All in an afternoon, the ambition of fishing was changed to the mission of Jesus.
The nets, just left on the shore. Did they sell all the fish? We don’t know.
We just know Jesus worked on this day to help them see their calling was much bigger and more important than fixing and casting nets into the water.
While we weren’t there, the Spirit records this interaction so we see and hear a similar calling from Jesus.
He’s calling us as sinful individuals to be part of sharing his glorious Gospel.
It’s a calling, purpose, and mission greater than any earthly ambition you may have.
Headed to work this morning? It’s ok. Do your best at work, but see that God has placed you in the “deep water” at work to cast the net of the Gospel.
Headed to school this morning? It’s ok. Learn. Do your best, but see that God has placed you in the “deep water” of the classroom with classmates to cast the net of the Gospel.
Headed to care for your children and home? It’s ok. Be the best mom or dad you know how to be today. Give it your all, but see that God has placed you in the “deep water” of your family to cast the net of the Gospel in the hearts of your children.
Headed to a Dr. appointment, the gym, a club meeting, or out on the golf course? Have fun. Enjoy the company of others or the expertise of your doctor, but see that God is moving you around today into the “deep water” of relationships to cast the net of the Gospel wherever today’s events take you.
It just takes a change of perspective and you begin to see that today your personal ambitions become second to being part of God’s mission.
Apply: Think through your schedule today. How might God be directing you to interactions so you can cast the net of the Gospel into the hearts of people?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to see your grace that you want to use me in your mission to “catch” people with the Gospel. Help me to see all my interactions today as ordained by you for the purpose of connecting hearts with your saving grace. AMEN.