Moving the Fish

           Most states have  a nick name. Those from Indiana are called Hoosiers. West Virginians are known as Mountaineers while the state of Virginia is known as “The Old Dominion.”. Those from the state of Missouri are called "Show Me." That apparently is a trait of a person who lives there. Such perhaps could have also been said of the disciples after the resurrection. There were many exciting events that took place right after the resurrection, but the disciples seem to have been left without a plan and with a dark looking future. Things were about to change. One can read John 20 and behold many wondrous things. We then come to the next chapter in John where we find Peter wanting to go back to that which he had done before He had met the Master. John 21:3 says, "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."

            It was as if there was no idea of what to do next. Their leader was gone so they didn't know what to do. They were a bit perplexed. Peter, not knowing what else to do, went back to that which he had done before. But, if you read on, you soon realize that God used even this experience in the lives of the disciples. For those in the boat at the time it must have been a tad frustrating as they had been fishermen before and spent the whole night fishing and didn't catch a single fish. What they didn't know is that God was moving the fish that night and they were always on the other side of the boat. There may be times in our lives when we experience a loss of direction. It isn't the moving of the Lord but our own moving that has caused our problems. The Lord is always present and ready to meet our needs. However, we sometimes move away from His presence by our own choosing. We may even do as Peter did and have a desire to do that which we did before. In our case, it is necessary for us to run to the side of the Lord. As Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." No matter where you are standing today, whether it is close to the Lord or perhaps you have wandered away just a little, the Lord is always just a prayer away. You can find the help you need at His throne of Grace. So, do not delay. Turn to Him and experience His help in your time of need. Praise God that He is always present in every situation in which we find ourselves.