Simon Peter was a professional fisherman before Jesus came along and called him from his nets. He knew his way around a boat, a net, a lake, a school of fish. He knew how to do this – except tonight, nothing. All night, no fish. And then some yahoo on the shore tries to tell him how do to it.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.
I can imagine the language in that boat at this suggestion. “We’ve cast the nets on every *&@#%* side of the boat! Who is this guy?” And then perhaps more colorful language yet, as their nets inexplicably become so full they could hardly move the boat. Many of us have areas of our lives in which we don’t think we need God’s assistance. I often hear people say, “I don’t need to bother God with that!” or “We’re not at the point of needing prayer yet…” as though we're to deploy the “big guns” only as a last resort.
But God doesn’t want to be on the sidelines of our lives – God wants to be right smack dab in the middle of our work, our rest, our joys, frustrations, questions, convictions. Indeed, God wants to be working with us, and through us. And could it be that the One who made all universes knows a thing or two about teaching, medicine, tax preparation, fundraising, marketing, finance, law, or whatever it is we do for a living? What if we invited God’s presence at regular intervals in our work days?
For that matter, the Holy Spirit can also help us in our relationships, our stresses, our habits. And – surprise! – God can help us in our churches and ministries. We don’t have to have prayer and worship on one side, and the “work of the church” on the other. It’s all of a piece. It’s all holy work, as we allow the Holy Spirit into it.
What is most frustrating to you in your life right now? Where do you feel stuck, jammed, not moving, not growing, in the dark, out to sea? Could it be that Jesus is nearby? Might he have a word for you? Have you asked his guidance? That can be scary – what if he doesn’t answer? So ask again.
Jesus said something about wanting us to be fruitful, so I’m guessing he will have a word to guide us. Maybe he’s already speaking it through someone we don’t want to listen to – which might include our own deepest selves.
What if he’s already given us the answer? What “expertise” do we need to let go of in order to hear it?
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