FOODFORTHOUGHT

CAST OUT THE NET
Author Unknown
June 4, 2012


Very early in life (almost from birth) we are trained to be
successful according to the world's definition of success. We are
driven by goals and accomplishments from the day we take our first
steps and ride our first bike. As we grow older, we are pressured to
accumulate knowledge and "things" in order to prove our success.

In our Christian walk, Jesus calls us to a new definition of success -
one determined not by what we accomplish, but by our obedience. The
disciples walked and talked with Jesus, but they still faced many
challenges with faith and obedience. One morning after fishing all
night without a catch, Jesus called from the shore. John 21:6 "He
said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find
some {fish}.' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in
because of the large number of fish."

The disciples were successful that morning. But we must understand
that the large number of fish did not define their success. They would
have been successful even if the nets remained empty. They were
successful the moment they were obedient and threw out the net. One
thousands years earlier, King Saul was told to "attack the Amalekites
and totally destroy everything that belongs to them," (1 Samuel 15:3).
But Saul allowed the Amalekite king and the best livestock to survive.
He tried to cover His disobedience by saying the calves and lambs were
for a sacrifice to God. "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in
burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the
Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the
fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22).

In any task we undertake for God, it's easy to become discouraged by
our apparent lack of success. We often feel inadequate - and those
feelings increase when our goals seem to be elusive. But we must
remember, the outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. God
doesn't need our "fish" - He wants our devotion and trust. He desires
that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let's
take our eyes off the accomplishment of the "catch" and what we can
produce. Rather, let's focus on walking each step according to His
leading. Let's concentrate all our effort on obeying His call to cast
out the net. Amen!

Have a Great Day in the LORD!

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