The Calling of Peter

June 19, 2020

When called by Jesus, Peter talks about what he has known and has done. He doesn’t expect anything to be different from how it’s always been, but then he’s shocked by the miracle Jesus produces. Consider how exhausted Peter would have been when Jesus tells him to set back out for the deep water. But even though Peter is tired and doubtful, he does as he is told.

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REFLECT

Because He Said So

By Jennifer Jerrome

As a kid, did you ever hear the words, “Because I said so”? Or maybe as a parent you’ve said it - with just a hint of frustration, right?

In today’s story, when Jesus told Simon to “put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” Simon doubted they would be successful because they’d been working hard all night with no luck. But Simon replied, “because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

And guess what happened – they caught more fish than they ever dreamed possible. Simon Peter and the others were humbled and astonished. Doing what Jesus instructed brought great success – imagine that!

There have been times in my life when I’ve been working hard towards a goal but getting nowhere and I can’t figure out why things aren’t happening the way I want. I try and try to do things my way, but it doesn’t work. It’s easy to get frustrated and depressed, but if I’m paying attention, God usually sends someone or something to point me in the right direction.

God puts people in our lives who speak truth and love. Do you know who those people are? Is there anyone in your life who has proven themselves trustworthy and you’d do what they say because they say so? I’m not talking about people who force others to act due to fear. Jesus wasn’t bullying the disciples to do what he wanted. They knew Jesus spoke truth and had their best interests at heart. They knew he wouldn’t lie to them, though they doubted they would catch any fish. That doubt quickly vanished when the nets began to break.

I also find the fact that they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them to be significant. Sometimes we need to call in reinforcements when we can’t handle things on our own. We need other people’s help and then the outcome is exponentially better than it could have been just by ourselves.

God puts people in our lives for a reason. Thanks to all those over the years who instructed me to let down my nets and helped me haul in my catch. I truly appreciate it.

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