Pastor's Pondering, February 3, 2014

Casting Down Our Nets

During the recent State of the Union address, President Barack Obama spoke about the US economy stating, "But average wages have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled. The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by - let alone get ahead. And too many still aren't working at all." These financial challenges are evident from stories that we hear from those around us and perhaps even from our own lives.

During the biblical times, Simon Peter and his companions also faced trying times. As fishermen, their livelihood depended on having a good harvest. Unfortunately they had worked all night and had been unsuccessful. But Jesus told them to try again and when they did, they were very successful (Luke 5:4-9a).

Many of us have tried various strategies to get ahead. We have moved to new cities, tried new jobs, or started new businesses but still have not prospered. But Simon Peter said something that we all should consider, "... But because you say so, I will let down the nets (Luke 5:5)."

Speaking to God in prayer is important for our financial blessings (Matthew 21:22). This is the year to say, in spite of our failures or missed opportunities, because Jesus said so, we ought to follow His direction and we will be blessed. Your prosperity may come from going to another bank to finance your business, it may be to return to community college for training, it may be to ask for a promotion at your current job, or whatever the Lord Jesus tells us to do.

Please comment below and share how you have made a decision to follow His direction and were financially blessed and encourage others to become prosperous by praying to and listening from God.

Luke 5:4-9a

New International Version (NIV)

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”
9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,…

Matthew 21:22
New International Version (NIV)

22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”