Ever feel like life has thrown you overboard? One minute you're navigating familiar waters, the next you're tossed about by a storm of unforeseen circumstances. It could be the gut-wrenching news of a job loss, the suffocating weight of financial strain, the isolating grip of mental health struggles, or the raw ache of losing someone you love. In those moments, it's easy to feel adrift, directionless, and longing for the solid ground of what once was.
I remember a time when the waves of life crashed over me relentlessly. It was during a period of intense personal loss, compounded by unexpected financial pressures. Each day felt like a struggle to keep my head above water. The familiar routines that once provided comfort now felt like anchors dragging me down. I yearned for the simplicity of a time before the storm, a time when life felt manageable and secure. I found myself retreating into old habits, seeking solace in the familiar patterns of the past, even though I knew they couldn't truly solve the present crisis. It was like repeatedly casting my net in shallow waters, hoping for a big catch when the real bounty lay in the deeper, more challenging parts of the sea.
This feeling of going back to what we know, especially after disappointment or failure, echoes in the familiar story of Jesus' disciples in John 21:1-19. After the earth-shattering events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples find themselves back in Galilee, by the Sea of Tiberias. Peter, the impulsive leader who had denied Jesus three times, declares, "I am going fishing." And the others, perhaps feeling lost and uncertain of their purpose after the seismic shift in their world, follow him. They return to their old profession, the familiar rhythm of casting nets, a stark contrast to the extraordinary mission Jesus had entrusted to them.
They fish all night and catch nothing. Dawn breaks, and a figure stands on the shore. They don't recognize him at first, but his simple instruction, "Cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some," yields an astonishing catch – so many fish they can barely haul the net in. It's then that John recognizes him: "It is the Lord!"
This encounter is rich with meaning for us in our own chaotic times. When life throws us curveballs, there's a temptation to retreat to what feels safe and familiar, even if it's not where God is calling us to be. The disciples went back to fishing, perhaps seeking comfort in the known after the unbelievable events they had witnessed. But Jesus meets them even there, in their familiar territory, to redirect them and offer them something more.
The abundance of fish is a clear sign of Jesus' provision. Even when the disciples toiled in their own strength and came up empty, Jesus' intervention brought a miraculous harvest. This reminds us that even when we feel like we're failing, when our efforts seem fruitless, Jesus can step in and provide in ways we never imagined. He sees beyond our present struggles and knows where the true abundance lies.
But the encounter goes deeper than just provision. It's a powerful testament to Jesus' forgiveness and his offer of redemption. He specifically addresses Peter, the disciple who had so publicly denied him. Three times Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Each time, Peter affirms his love, and each time, Jesus reinstates him with the command, "Feed my lambs," and "Tend my sheep." This poignant exchange offers Peter, and us, a chance to redeem past failures. Jesus doesn't dwell on Peter's denial; instead, he offers him a path forward, a renewed purpose within the very mission he had previously abandoned.
Just as Jesus met his disciples in their familiar setting and offered them provision and redemption, he meets us in the midst of our own chaotic storms. When we feel lost and tempted to retreat, he stands on the shore, calling us to cast our nets in deeper waters, trusting in his guidance. He offers us not just comfort in the familiar, but the opportunity for a new abundance, a renewed sense of purpose, and the profound grace of forgiveness.
Our past mistakes, our moments of weakness, don't disqualify us from God's purpose. Instead, like Peter, they can become the very ground from which our redemption and renewed calling spring forth. Jesus' provision isn't just about meeting our immediate needs; it's about offering us a chance to move beyond our failures, to embrace his forgiveness, and to step into the deeper purpose he has for our lives. So, when the storms of life rage, remember the scene on the shore of Tiberias. Even in the familiar, Jesus offers a new beginning, a chance to cast our nets anew and discover the abundant life he has waiting for us.