Trust God Before Yourself–Scripture Reflection #027

John 21:5-6 (New Living Translation)

5 He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. 6 Then He said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

Many of the disciples were fishermen by trade before following Jesus, having made a living by hauling in nets full of fish and selling them. Despite having spent a significant part of their lives on the water, we find them struggling to catch any fish on multiple occasions. But when Jesus gives them instructions that were probably technically incorrect, or against what they knew to be effective fishing practices, they follow them and end up catching an abundance of fish.

This illustration shows us that although we could have years of knowledge or decades of experience in a particular subject or line of work, if we do not operate in God’s ways, it will all be for nothing- we will catch no fish. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to seek God’s will in all we do and not to trust our own understanding or opinions. When we rely on Him with all our hearts, He will lead us in every decision we make.

The Question: What does it look like for you to depend and trust God before yourself in your everyday life?