There is a Catch on the Way

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around Him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5:1-7
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your labor seemed to be in vain?
You have toiled tirelessly with nothing to show for it! You have given up and are about to close shop. But, just then, God shows up and says, " Don't give up; let's go a little deeper and let down the same nets  for a catch." I have a surprise in store for you.

That was the situation Peter and his partners faced. They had toiled all night and had caught no fish. Jesus borrowed Peter's boat and used it as a pulpit. He then invited him to cast the same net into deeper water for a catch. The result was outstanding. So much fish was caught that Peter's boat along with that of his companions began to sink. Same lake but a different result!

The truth is there are times when it seems as if we have failed and have nothing to show for our labor. But, just when we are about to walk away, God shows up and says, "Let's press on a little further and let me amaze you." Those are times when our weariness can cause us to doubt God. But, the truth is, God has the final say in every situation. It is not over until God says so.

God always fulfills His promise. If God is asking you to press on a little deeper in spite of all your past human efforts, take Him at His word and go deeper with Him. God may have a pleasant surprise for you in the same environment in which you have toiled with no results even for years.
Go deeper with God. There is a catch on the way. Your boat will not be empty forever. Your labor will not be in vain! Don't give up. God might just surprise you!

Prayer: Lord, it seems as if my labor is in vain. I seem to be toiling with nothing to show for it. My boat is empty. But I will not give up. At your word, I will go a little deeper and trust you because you are the God of the impossible! Amen.