Fishing Stories Pt. 2 "Have You Prepared Your Nets?"

Fishing Stories Pt. 2

Did you miss Part 1 of the Fishing Stories Series? If so follow this link to check out yesterdays post, Offensive Obedience before reading on.

Luke 5: 1-11

5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.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 fish for people.”11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

It's Time to Prepare the Net

Have you been waiting for God to meet you in your current circumstances? Have you been seeking for breakthrough in your job, family, or finances? God makes it clear in the verses above that He is able to supply exactly what we need at our most critical hour. 

Remember that Simon (Peter) was a business owner, he owned and operated a professional fishing business. At this particular time his business wasn't doing so well. He had a crew which he probably paid all night to fish with him and they literally caught nothing. Im sure business days like this were pretty devastating.

After his long day (night), he stops to hear Jesus teaching at the beach. As I mentioned yesterday, Jesus tested Peter's heart by telling him to go back out on the water and try fishing on the other side of the boat. We took a closer look at how Peter stepped out in faith and obedience despite the fact this sounded like a crazy request. Then out of nowhere something crazy happened, the entire net was swarming with fish! So many fish that he had to call the other boats in his crew to come and help him haul in the load...Once James and John, along with the other crew members, come on the scene they are all working together in order to haul in the nets with all the fish. As they do so the nets begin to tear, and the boats become so full of fish that all of their boats are nearly sinking.

There are two IMPORTANT things God has highlighted right now. 

1.  Obedience Positions you for breakthrough...

We looked yesterday at how Peter acted in obedience to Jesus, as we look today we see the reward of his actions. Obedience positions you for breakthrough! I love how Jesus met Peter's need in such a practical way. He provided breakthrough in an area that was close to Peter's heart. He also didn't drop a million dollars in Peter's lap, he activated Peter by having him step out in order to receive his breakthrough. Many feel like they are in a season similar to Peter's night out on the boat. In a season like this it is very easy to become discouraged. Jesus knows exactly where you are and the struggles you are facing, better yet He knows exactly how to meet your greatest needs. Just as Peter's obedience to the Lord yielded life changing breakthrough, I want to encourage you to keep moving in obedience to the Lord because He is positioning you for breakthrough as well. Jesus knew exactly how to meet Peter's need way beyond what Peter was prepared for and He is able to do the same for you too. Remember that stepping out in obedience activates your breakthrough. 

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. " - Ephesians 3:20-21  

 2. Prepare the Nets!

We also see in this passage that as they are trying to bring in the fish, the nets begin to tear. So if obedience positions you for breakthrough, are you prepared to hold the blessing when it comes? I believe this applies to both a personal breakthrough and also for the church. Prophets from all over the world have been prophesying for years about a great harvest of people who will be coming into the church. I feel such an urgency in my spirit that we are in the season right now and God is telling His people to get ready. Are your nets prepared to pull in such a harvest? Like Peter, will your boat (ministry) sink in the middle of great revival? God is urging all of us to go deeper with Him so that we are able to sustain the things that are coming. 

Over the next few weeks, set aside intentional time to spend with the Lord and allow Him to speak to you and prepare you for what is coming. Pray that He will reveal anything in you that needs to be removed in order to walk in who He has created you to be. Invite Him to heal any broken places in you that would hinder you from pouring out His love to others. If you are in a season like Peter where nothing seems to be working, encourage yourself in the Lord daily by spending extra time in worship and prayer. This is a test of the heart just like Peter. Be faithful, continue to walk in obedience, and know that breakthrough is just around the corner.

Check out Fishing Stories Pt. 3 Coming Soon!

Love and Blessings,
Arie