All Your Needs

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 (ESV)

Ever felt like you are working and working and still can’t get ahead financially? My husband and I have entered the stage of life where repairs have to be made, appliances replaced, growing children provided for, etc. Sometimes it feels like as soon as we save a little money, a bigger expense arises. One step forward, two steps back.

Don’t get me wrong. I am very grateful for all that God has provided for us. We have good jobs, a sturdy home, and food on the table. So much for which to be thankful!

But it doesn’t quite feel like God is opening the windows of heaven and pouring down financial blessings the likes of which we couldn’t imagine.

As I read this miracle from Luke 5, it occurs to me that I often respond to God like the disciples did before they were disciples.

This is the beginning of Simon Peter, James and John following Jesus. We are getting a glimpse into what causes them to leave everything behind and devote their lives to Jesus.

As you might expect, they are in need and Jesus does a miracle. But it is not a healing or resurrection like many people would guess. No. It is a miracle of provision.

These fishermen have been working all night with nothing to show for it. Then Jesus comes along (a carpenter, not a fisherman) gives them fishing advice.

Sadly, I can imagine all too well how I would react. I would probably have felt irritated (up all night, tired, and cranky), defensive (why should I listen to this landlubber), and dismissive (it makes no sense to cast the nets again in the same place we have been fishing – it won’t make any difference!).

The disciples start to resist and then they say something wonderful…

“At your word I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (ESV)

At your word. Do you think God might be trying to beat something into my thick skull? The last few weeks miracles have been focused on listening to God’s word and obeying it.

But as I read this miracle, I wondered if maybe the block to the financial (provision/prosperity) miracle I would like to see in my life is actually my attitude.

If the disciples had my attitude, they would never have listened to the voice of Jesus. They would never have set back out in their exhausted state and put the nets down again. They would never have pulled up nets so full of provision that it filled both boats to the point that they began to sink. They would never have recognized their own sinful nature and the deity of Jesus. They would never have become the people they were designed to be and been in on the transformation of all of history.

I have been focused on the provision for my life, but God is focused on focused on my attitude and the person I am becoming.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

I only see some of my needs, the ones right in front of my face. God sees all of my needs, those that will transform me and alter the course of my life to align with His will.

If I will bend to God’s word and will, I get both. The provision and the transformation. His perfect will.

Action Step: I want to correct my attitude, becoming someone who will be ready to hear God’s word and act on it rather than being irritated, defensive, or dismissive. Cultivating an open heart toward the word of God feels a little elusive. I think part of it is getting rid of a critical spirit and a tendency to complain.

Our action step for this week is a fast from criticism and complaining. I am hereby taking a break from all griping and criticizing. Won’t you come on this fast with me?

Dear God, help me to refrain from criticism and complaint today and all week. Soften my heart to be ready to hear Your word and do Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.