It’s Time to Quit Fishing
Jesus’s half-brother, James, alludes to the reality that if we believe in God, it’s no big deal because even demons believe in God (James 2:19). Yet, what you and I know to be true is that our most holy faith has been devilishly diluted to mean nothing more than intellectual assent or agreement. Based upon my study of the scriptures regarding this essential theme, “Faith is an active and relational trust in God’s nature and character that transforms both us and our way of living.” God is breathing fresh life into many of us. One result is that many of us are experiencing a renewal of our love for King Jesus, which inspires a life of Kingdom mission and purpose, deeply anchored in faith. We know we experience a meaningful and rich life when we live for a cause bigger than ourselves. This is Peter’s story in John 21. Peter returns to the comfortable and competent fishing work after his abysmal failure and denial of Jesus (predicted by Jesus). We each know how tempting it is to return to what’s easy and familiar when experiencing difficulty or having tasted failure and sin. So what happens to our paralyzed faith when we return to the familiar and easy? Jesus comes looking for us.
I have to tell you, I love this. When I was a young, immature follower of King Jesus, every time I sinned and failed, I would experience paralysis of my faith. Praying was hard. Trusting I was saved was hard. Coming out of the shadows of disqualification and shame was hard. It wasn't easy. We all know this to be true. So, let’s take a moment and rejoice, celebrate, and be happy that Jesus comes to you, regardless of where you are in your failure, injured identity, wounded purpose, and disqualified soul. He pursues you and me. Hallelujah! Based upon Peter’s story in John 21, I wonder what supernatural thing God is doing in your life right now, revealing himself, His grace, mercy, love, and wisdom. Jesus came to Peter, revealed Himself, and initiated a conversation with Peter. He is doing the same for me and you. Why is this important? Because love energizes faith. Love comes before purpose. Don’t get that mixed up. A renewed passion for King Jesus inspires a life of Kingdom mission and purpose, deeply anchored in faith, not failure, shame, or disqualification. I’m very excited about God being at work in our church family. Don’t miss out on what He is doing. I challenge you to invite 2 or 3 close family members or friends you have and ask them to be brutally honest with you and show you where your hidden failures, fears, and disqualifications are hindering your willingness to step out, take risks, and partner with God and His mission. I promise, like Peter, you are not the only one fishing (doing what’s comfortable and easy). Look around. There are a lot of disappointed followers of Jesus fishing. Jump out of your safe boat and go towards Jesus. Good and godly things await!
The Lord and His peace be upon you!
:: Lance