Lent is over. Easter has passed. Life goes on. But when I titled the book 40 Things to Give up for Lent, I added “and beyond.” The 40 Things to Give up for Lent are not things to give up for Lent alone. They are patterns and entrenched beliefs to let go of for the rest of your life.
But we have ways of slipping back into old patterns and routines. We get on an exercise program, but we easily go back to our sedentary lifestyle. We may practice restraint with our spending habits for a short time but easily slip back into a pattern of over-spending.
The disciples of Jesus had a high calling on their lives. But in John 21:3 we find them going back to their old lives.
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3, ESV)
Peter calls his companions and they go fishing even though Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus had sent them as Apostles, but they go back to what they were before they encountered Christ. Instead of sharing the good news of the resurrection, Peter says, “Let’s go fishing.” It’s not that there is anything wrong with fishing, but they exchanged their high calling for something less.
What did they catch? Nothing. All night long they fished, but in the morning, they had nothing to show for their effort. It is not until Jesus shows up and tells them to throw their nets over the other side of the boat that they catch fish. The catch is overwhelming!
Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on 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 of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:5–6, ESV)
What lead to this amazing catch? It was coming back to Jesus. It was obedience to him. They followed his instruction which they had been ignoring.
When we become followers of Christ, it is easy to slip back into old patterns and old ways. It happens. Sin is enticing, and spiritual growth is not linear. Maybe you have stumbled. That’s ok. It is not a time to give up. God has not given up on you. Listen to Christ. He is always there to welcome you back. There is always an opportunity to make a new start. Throw your net over the other side of the boat. See what God has waiting for you.
Thought for the day:
In what area of your life do you need to throw your net over the other side and make a new start with Jesus? In what area do you need renewal?
Julie Christie says
Thank you so much for this.I needed this today. “Sin is enticing, and spiritual growth is not linear” What a true statement. I am going to throw my net over the other side of the boat and see what God has waiting for ME!
Kelly says
Ditto!
Gary Kessler says
Pastor Phil have you been reading my mail?
Kim Howard Canada says
Thank you! I alway look forward to your posts.
Sharon Graves says
I agree with Julie. This message couldn’t have come on a better day for me. It was much needed.
Deborah Lee says
Thank you for making scripture so very relatable. I find myself like the disciples and in need of throwing my net over to the other side. It’s not comfortable to do so but I suspect it’s where the miracles happen for us all.
Barb Johnson says
I want to thank you for sharing your daily posts during the 40 days of Lent. I learned of you through a Facebook posting from Addie Comfort Dog where I clicked on greaterthings.today and started reading from Day 1. After a couple of days I ordered your book and started both reading online and in the book. I intended to start re-reading the book after a month or so to keep it fresh in my mind. I was thrilled to see this post from you today! You are so right that we have a tendency to slip back into old patterns or bad habits! Thank you for todays’s message. <3
Abby says
A friend shared your site with me during Lent and WOW, I didn’t miss a day following up with suggested scripture readings! After Lent (because your daily devotionals had become a part of my morning worship!), I attempted to re-sign for your mail daily and have only received one. Here’s my question: do you continue to send daily scripture e-mails or is it intermittent?
My net is cast and I just can’t wait to see the haul Jesus has for me! Thanks so much!
Abby
Phil Ressler says
Hi Abby – we will be starting next week again.