John 21:4-14
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The
other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for
they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So
Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish,
153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
This was (roughly) the passage Pastor Glenn preached from this morning. He talked about how God provided for the disciples abundantly even when they didn't know it was Christ, at first. The net did not break, even though it should have from its load. Jesus had a fire for their catch all ready when they got back to shore.
I love my pastor and he made wonderful observations and the sermon overall was really good. But I couldn't help thinking of how this passage applied to a couple of situations I have been involved in the past few weeks.
A couple of friends who are dear to me have been going through some of the most difficult experiences in their lives to date. Each of these friends has come to me for advice, for help, for encouragement, or for a shoulder to cry on. Three years ago, two years ago, a year ago, I wouldn't have been able to be there for these friends like I can now. I have the completed picture of my life's tragedy in my past and it's given me the tools I need to help the ones I love go through similar experiences.
God provided for me abundantly in my trials, but that was not the end of that. I firmly believe God allows bad things to happen to us so that we can share our testimonies with others. Our testimonies give credit to who God is and helps us advice others. My suffering is an avenue of service. Not only was I provided for abundantly, but the ones I care for are also being provided for abundantly.
Loved one, you may be reading this blog. God is providing for you. Abundantly.
Don't forget.
I love you.
<3
