Have you ever experienced a spiritual slump? Not much to show for your walk with God? Feeling distanced and disconnected from God? Feeling like everything is up to you…to fix, get on track, and make things right. Today’s passage is about fishermen in a fishing slump, but the lessons are for our spiritual lives.

After a hard night’s work, the weary fishermen had nothing to show for it—except empty nets. Then Jesus showed up. He directed the fishermen to put their boats back out in the water, the deep water. Then he told Simon Peter and his partners to cast their nets. I can only imagine their emotions. They were tired and didn’t want to go fishing again. Besides, everyone knows that fish are caught at night in shallow waters, not during the day in the deep. But things are always different when Jesus is there. The men threw the nets in the water, and the catch was so plentiful it filled their boats to the point of sinking!

Luke 5:8-11
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.

In the middle of the lake, Jesus showed these fishermen that he was the difference maker. He was the God of fresh starts. Standing knee-deep in the biggest catch of their lives, looking at their amazing success—boats overflowing with fish, Jesus called them to leave it all and follow him. And they did.

Today, Jesus is calling you to a fresh start. Here is a question only you can answer: What does he call you to leave behind so you can start a new journey?

Lord Jesus, I am amazed that the first disciples left their most successful business day to follow you. Show me what I am holding onto that is keeping me back. Loosen my grip on the things that have no eternal value. Help me not be afraid. Help me be willing to leave every temporal thing to follow hard after you. In your name. Amen.