The Right Side Of The Boat

"He (Jesus) said, 'Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some (fish).' When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish." - John 21:6 (NIV)

After hearing Jesus promise to rise from the dead, and actually seeing Him alive, the disciples went back to what they were doing before they met him: fishing. Certianly God will used our past experiences to teach us, but He always leads us forward - never back. When fear and uncertianty make us want to go back to the security of what we know, we end up like the disciples: "They went out and... got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing." (John 21:3 NIV)

But there's good news: God hasn't changed His mind about His purpose for your life. Notice how Jesus addressed the disciples: "Children, have you any food?" (vs. 5) Even though you may find yourself taking some steps backwards, you're still His child! Next he tells them "Throw your net on the right side of the boat... When they did they were unable to haul the net in because the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'" (vs 7) That morning Jesus ate breakfast with them and removed their doubts and sent them out to change the world.

What the lesson? When we work outside of God's will, it's like fishing on the wrong side of the boat; we wear ourselves out and in the end have nothing to show for our efforts. Submit your life again to Christ today. Renew your fellowship with Him and allow Him to direct your steps! Don't shrink back in fear - move FORWARD in faith!