Scripture to Read: John 21:1–3
Jesus had risen and shown Himself to the disciples twice in the room where they had stayed during the three days that Jesus’ body was in the tomb. As God led John to write, we now read in John 21:1–3, After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter *said to them, “I am going fishing.” They *said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. The disciples knew Jesus had risen, they had encountered Him, and they knew without a doubt that He was their Messiah. But for some reason, Peter felt the need to go fishing. He was a fisherman by trade, so maybe he felt like they needed more food, or maybe Peter just needed time doing what he had grown up doing. Whatever the case, Peter mentioned it, and the guys with him said they’d join him. They went fishing all night and caught nothing. Peter had been in this situation before (Luke 5:5–7), but it happened about three years earlier. God loves to use the tests and trials of our lives to teach us to trust Him that much more. Whatever we may be facing, we can know that God is working (Philippians 2:13) and that we must cling to Him and His Word.
Challenge & Application
• When you need to get away from the craziness of life, where do you find yourself retreating to, and where do you find true rest?
• How has God used—or how is God using—the tests and trials of life to grow your faith in Him?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!