empty nets

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, how come I usually only trust you as a last resort; when my own plans and efforts have not produced the results I’d hoped they would?  Help me to learn how to trust you first, rather than after I have worked hard all night and caught nothing.  Amen.

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Journal: Where in your life do you feel like “you have worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything?”  What would it look like to simply trust Jesus in that area?

Reflection: “But Master, we have worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” (Luke 5:5)  What a haunting phrase.  I mean, it is such an easy trap to fall into, right?  After all, isn’t it a part of our DNA to do it on our own?  To take matters into our own hands, and make it happen—whatever it may be.  We got this, right?  Wrong!  In the end all we have to show for our efforts is a bunch of empty nets and a worn out body and soul.  Ever been there?  I sure have.  And I’m sure I will be there again in the not too distant future.  When will I ever learn?  My own efforts—however heroic they may be—apart from Jesus, will always net me absolutely nothing.  And maybe that very realization is the beginning of learning what it means to trust Jesus in a whole new way.  It certainly was for Simon Peter and his fishing buddies.

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me how to trust you, not me.  Amen.