ICS Daily Devotions
Trusting God In Uncertain Times
John 21:3-6,12 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish… Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord.
As this scene unfolds, the disciples were back at the Sea of Tiberias fishing. Having been with Jesus during the three years of His ministry on earth, it must have been tough for them to witness Jesus’ crucifixion, especially Peter who had just denied his master three times.
Presumably the disciples had never needed to worry about ministry funds when Jesus was with them, and now they have been asked to go forth and preach the gospel. Their world has been turned upside down, and they were left on their own to walk out their faith and to trust God.
Have you ever been in a similar situation, or perhaps you are in one now where you are challenged to take a step further in serving God and to trust Him to provide for you? The passage goes on to tell us that not only did Jesus show up, told the disciples where to cast their nets and they caught an enormous amount of fish, but Jesus Himself came to eat breakfast with them.
As believers, we have been entrusted with the ministry and word of reconciliation just like the disciples were asked to go forth and preach the gospel. Therefore, may we be encouraged by the fact that Jesus showed up when the disciples most needed Him and provided for their needs, and as He has done for the disciples in the past, He will do the same for us because He is a faithful God who knows our needs and provides for them. Moreover, He promises us His presence during our times of uncertainty.
Sermon Series: 30 Dec 2018
