4 When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 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.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 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. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Going along with Jesus always results in one thing for me, a realization that I am in WAAAAAY over my head. It just feels like life is too big for me, requires too much from me, and there is so much going on around me that I couldn’t for a moment manage or control. It feels more like being on a roller coaster, holding on for dear life, but while I’m riding hills and going through loops I’m trying to do my little tasks and in the midst of massive movement.
“Go away from me, Lord!” Peter realized that Jesus was drawing near to him. Peter could tell that being around Jesus would put him in over his head. And that always scares us, because we realize we will never be able to manage the scope or magnitude of what God is calling us to join Him in. We are confronted with us, compared to Him. And it’s too much.
“Do not be afraid.” The cure for our fear is HIS LOVE. He loves me, and will never leave me. He will teach me, and He will equip and guide me. Each time Jesus fed the masses of thousands of people, He started with someone bringing him a few fish and a few loaves of bread. And that is all He is asking of us. Bring him our little lives, our little selves, and watch him work. Bring him your little talents and skills, your few moments and your prayers, AND WATCH HIM SHAKE YOUR WORLD! He LOVES US!
Let our faith rise up in the love of our God. Ride the roller coaster! Don’t ask to get off. Ride it, knowing that it is under control - HIS. And know that every act of faith and obedience to Him is magnified. He is what we need.
Don’t be afraid. From now on, we will catch men!
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