JANUARY 25, Luke 5:1-11

Jesus, the Creator of the world, demonstrated His control over the animal world in this encounter with His future disciples. Peter, James, and John were out fishing the whole night. To their disappointment and surprise, they caught nothing at all. With no fish to show for their overnight toil, they were perhaps resigned to take a break, washing their nets before they returned home. Then, Jesus called them. It was a strange request, for Jesus wanted them to launch out into what appeared to be a fishless sea. Nevertheless, they obeyed.

What they experienced next shocked them! The men caught so many fishes so quickly that their nets broke! Getting a neighbouring ship to help load the fishes, the abundance of fishes was so much that both ships began to sink! The rest is history: the first few disciples were called and they left to follow Jesus.

God is able to do much more than what we can imagine or hope for. The fishermen and their experience told them there was no point going back to the waters, but they obeyed. Sometimes, life is like that. We know from experience someone is selfish and unfriendly, so we avoid him. But the Lord may be impressing on your heart to reach out to this child; or your father has been too strict in the past, and you are now very afraid of him. Maybe he has just been converted to Christianity and is trying to change. Would you forgive him and give him a chance to do so?

Thought: God can do more than what we imagine or hope for.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that You are indeed the Lord, and that You can do way above what we think or imagine. Sometimes when my troubles surround me, they distract me and worry or discourage me. Help me to trust in You and to look to You for help in prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.