When God says fish are biting on the right side of the boat, there’s a reason for it. And maybe not what you think. But you can be sure of one thing. He’s up to something. Here are four things God might be doing.
When God Says Fish Are Biting On The Right Side Of The Boat He might Be Planning A Miracle
In John 21 after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Simon Peter and several other disciples went fishing all night and caught nothing.
In the morning, Jesus stood on the shore and called out to them to cast their net on the right side of the boat.
You can imagine what went through their minds: Really? That’s it? That’s all you got?
No special technique? Secret bait. Exclusive fishing spot? Just the right side of the boat?
And Jesus didn’t tell them what would happen if they did. “Hey guys, do what I say and you’ll have more than a boat load of fish!”
Instead, they simply had to trust him and follow his directions.
Easier said than done, right? But that is often how God works. No announcements. Or fanfare. Hey, watch me do something amazing! It’s simply, follow my directions. Which is what the disciples did. And caught more fish than they could haul in.
Should we trust God? Yes! Should we pray? Yes! Should we expect God to follow-through? Yes!
But first, it requires our obedience.
When God Says Fish Are Biting On The Right Side Of The Boat He might Be Expecting You To Act On Faith
Theses guys were professional fisherman. Don’t you think they already knew the best fishing techniques? The right bait to use? All the exclusive spots where the fish hung out?
Why should they listen to a guy on the beach telling them what to do? How could he possibly know more than them?
And yet, something about Jesus compelled them. Was it the authority in his voice? His self-confidence? Or did they just want to prove to him they knew what they were doing and he didn’t?
Whatever the reason, they acted on faith. And that’s the key thing about faith. It’s always active. That is exactly what James, the half-brother of Jesus said later in his New Testament book.
To profess faith in God is wonderful. But God expects you to put that faith into action. That’s when God will amaze you.
When God Says Fish Are Biting On The Right Side Of The Boat He might Be Planning To Bless You Abundantly
When the disciples let the nets down on the right side of the boat the catch of fish was almost too much for them to physically manage. Jesus didn’t just bless them. He blessed them abundantly.
It was a fisherman’s haul of hauls. A financial windfall. But it wasn’t the real blessing. Accumulating money and material possessions never are. And it wasn’t the point Jesus was making.
It was about his lordship. That the universe is at his command. And that God’s abundant blessings are profoundly experienced through a personal relationship with him and in community with others who respond to him. And it leads to purpose, meaning and a mission with eternal significance.
It’s a spiritual and eternal community that makes no sense from a worldly point of view. But only when combined with faith and obedience.
When God Says Fish Are Biting On The Right Side Of The Boat He Might Be Calling You To Follow Him
The miracle had nothing to do with helping the men succeed their fishing business. Jesus called them to follow him as disciples. As fishers of men.
And God calls you and me to follow him in the same manner. To proclaim and build His Kingdom. That’s the point of this story.
None of Jesus’ twelve disciples became rich and famous. Most were martyred for their faith. Probably won’t recruit a lot of followers with that as one of your benefit bullet points.
Yet, they left everything to follow Jesus. Even to their death. Because something about Jesus compelled them to. Something about Jesus made it worth it. To obey him. To demonstrate faith.
And it is still true today. For those who will listen to him. And respond in faith by tossing their nets on the right side of the boat.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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