Casting Our Nets into the Deep Waters

I'm always looking for signs from heaven. My children would make fun of me as they were growing up because I'd always shout out, "there's a sign!" when I'd see some image that was precisely the exact same thing I was talking about! I always felt God was validating me when I'd see these signs or symbols. In our society we proudly choose symbols that represent our core values, hobbies and beliefs. We are a visual society and these symbols and signs are quite important.

The fish has always been a truly powerful image and symbol for Christians dating back to the first centuries. It was a visible way for Christians who were fearful of persecution to let other believers know who they were. We are very fortunate to not have those pressures to feel free to express our beliefs. Today, we may have push back from non believers we encounter when we speak out with our religious beliefs or convictions, but at least we don't have to be in hiding or fear for our lives!

The first apostles were fisherman and Jesus used many opportunities in the boat, on land amidst the hungry crowds and even when he broke bread with them in social situations to use fishing or a fish to teach important lessons. Fishing was more than a symbol or profession. Lately, I've been pondering what this means for my life in my own boat.  Jesus has been asking me to follow Him and evangelize in unfamiliar territory in a world of growing non-believers. He's been directing me back to scripture --especially those fishing lessons shared with His first apostles.

So, I reflect back to Peter in the boat in Matthew 4:19. He's tired and frustrated because he has no catch after a long night of fishing. He needed to provide for his family so his frustration is indeed justified. Jesus gets in the boat with him and tells Him to cast his net into the deep! Peter hesitates. Peter thinks he knows best. He finally concedes and the results are miraculous-- that casting produces a huge harvest.  How I can relate to Peter. So many times in my life I proceeded with my goals, my ideas and my strategies. I forgot to invite God into my process of discernment. I got frustrated and became stressed as a result. Maybe I even wondered why God wasn't making it easier? Jesus proceeds to teach Peter that He wants him to trust Him and to become "a fisher of men"...exactly what He's asking of us. He wants to be invited into our boats!

Obedience, trust and cooperation is what Jesus is asking of all of us. We can't proceed in our lives going in the direction of only our will without inviting Him to join us in the boat. Reflecting on this helps me to understand that sometimes I'm inclined to only cast where I'm comfortable. Sometimes I'm not casting deep enough for fear or any number of reasons. Jesus is reminding me to have courage and faith and He will place the right souls in our nets--our mission is not just to feed ourselves and those close to us.

Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen movie about the life of Christ was conflicted as well when faced with the mission he was felt called to build. I was so inspired by his statement, "My job is not to feed the 5,000 but to just bring my loaves and fishes. To build up the kingdom here--we are asked to cast our nets into the deep. Letting God be God allows our nets to overflow with the bounty that our loving and generous Father wishes to place there. 

So as you prepare to plan your days this month with your goals for being the most fit instruments of God's grace-remember to let God's hand guide your rod and don't fear casting your nets as deep as you can go! Bring your loaves and fish--God will do the rest!