What?
We all have seasons of change. Some we plan on and others that we do not plan on and we adapt. Many of you know that my wife and I are in a season of change in geography. Moving from the hustle and bustle of Orlando to Navarre with all the pieces, which have to fall into place. We have not moved in 20 years so you can imagine the chaos of packing. A friend of mine said everyone should move once every ten years to get rid of the stuff you don’t need. We feel very blessed to be moving here, and through everything, God’s hand is guiding us.
There is a huge amount of trust associated with this change in season. Vicki and I love to fish, and we are excited to be in an area where we can explore new bodies of water to cast our lines.
Jesus is standing on the shore after the disciples have had a long night of fishing but no catch.
“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. ”
If you have spent any time fishing in a boat and you have been anchored in a current or with the wind blowing you always throw your line or nets with the wind. So your line will stay tight. This is what the disciples have been doing throwing the nets with the wind. When Jesus said throw your net on the right side of the boat, which would go against all rules in fishing. “When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”
How many times in your life have you been casting a net and come up empty? Then there is God saying try it my way. You might lean your head to a 45-degree angle and say WHAT? Which I am sure the disciples were saying the same thing. But they trusted Jesus and the nets were full of an abundance of fish. We all have that moment when we say “you want me to do what?” Trusting God will align you with God’s desires and not yours.
A friend of mine Pastor Steve Hambrick once told me while he was preaching a sermon, he heard a voice say “Do 10 Push-ups now” WHAT? He thought to himself. He said he continued the sermon and heard the same voice say “Do 10 Push-ups now” So not to be disobedient he did ten push-ups in the middle of his sermon. At the end of the service, a woman came up to him crying tears of joy. She had been trying to get her husband to church for ten years, and he came that day. The husband told her the only way he would come back to church is if the pastor started doing push-ups in the middle of his sermon.
“You never know what God will ask you to do; he is asking you to trust in him. Regardless of your circumstances, take the time to align yourself with God. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The last thing Jesus said be for he ascended into heaven is “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS” This reassurance that God is with us always. It is up to us to be intentional to be still in God’s presence.
This is the season of change for Vicki and me, and we are trusting God, and we are aligning ourselves up to his wishes and desires. Whatever your circumstances take the initiative and ask God for his guidance and his direction.
Mike Conrad serves as our Worship Director. When he's not preparing for worship or playing an instrument, he enjoys spending time with his wife boating and fishing. Learn more about Mike here.
