Every day we have to make decisions, many of these decisions are important others not so much. It happens that sometimes we do not know exactly which will be the best decision, but you need to make a decision. We are aware that we have to do it right, because if not, we will have to pay a high price as a result of the wrong decision.
The best time to fish is during sunrise or sunset, at times during a full or new moon, and John 21:2-6 shows the disciples fishing after the crucifixion of Jesus. Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” He was determined. He was an experienced fisherman, but he chose the wrong moment. It was at a time when he became discouraged due to the apparent defeat of Jesus on the cross.
Peter and the disciples have left prosperous careers, their families, and even the Jewish religion to follow Jesus. They had full confidence that He was the Son of God. They also became celebrities, going with Jesus from city to city. Crowds took to the streets to see Jesus and the twelve disciples. But now everything seemed to be over: Jesus had been crucified. The last image they had in mind was that of a Jesus hanging on a cross.
From this we can understand the following teaching.
The worst time to make any kind of decision is when you are discouraged. Biblically, discouragement means hopelessness, it is being completely devoid of positive emotional measures that drive you to achieve positive goals. It was at a time when Peter was at the lowest emotional level in his Christian life that he said, “‘I’m going fishing.’ I was really discouraged, after Jesus was crucified and everything seemed to be over!”
Sooner or later, we all have to deal with these days of discouragement. Entrepreneurs take the wrong directions in business when they get discouraged; couples misbehave when they are discouraged and later regret what they did; Christians leave their churches in a moment of despondency and feel out of tune with God; People make the wrong job or career changes in times of discouragement.
Psalm 34:19 says, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all“. There is a big difference in waiting on God and doing whatever comes your way in times of discouragement. There are defeats in bad feelings, but faith in God produces an internal renewal and the correct direction for daily decisions.
Discouragement is contagious and can affect those around you, beware of discouraged people. This negative influence can cause people to have a determined and unalterable indisposition in difficult situations. This is exactly what happened to the disciples and, influenced by Peter, they decided to fish as well. This decision was made in a hurry, without any kind of reflection or analysis if they really should do that – “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”, Proverb 14:15
So, we have to pray more not to make hasty decisions that can negatively influence our lives. Take the time and consult in prayer before buying a new house, before buying a new car, before deciding to leave your home, before leaving your job or choosing another, before getting tattoos all over your body. In 10 years, you may be willing to give anything to get rid of them.
Wrong decisions affect not just ourselves, but others especially those around us and who depend on us. Don’t be put off by appearances. Stop, think, analyze, pray before making any decision – “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.“, Psalm 25:15.
Wrong decisions bring more disappointment.
The Bible says they tried to fish all night, but caught nothing. They were more disappointed than before. This was because they were out of step with God. So be careful about the decisions you plan to make. Pray to the Lord and He will give you the necessary guidelines and instructions – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”, Psalm 32: 8. Jesus knows your difficulties and has His victory prepared for the right moment.
Jesus appears on the beach, asking for food, but the disciples didn’t catch anything. It means they were hungry. To satisfy his disciples, Jesus guides them and convinces them to go fishing again and makes it a great success. God never loses control of anything and He never will. So, trust him and you will see that the miracle takes place. As they listened to what Jesus told them to do, they saw their frustrations disappear because the miracle happened.
Listen only to the voice of God and He will surely make the miracle happen – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”, Job 42: 2. God wants to renew your strength so you can continue forward – “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”, Isaiah 40:31.
Final thoughts
The Christian goes through bad and good times, negative and positive circumstances, situations of apparent failure and great victories. Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”, John 16:33. As long as the believer is in this world, there will be many reasons to be discouraged. For those who trust in the Lord there will always be a God who strengthens and encourages the heart so that the journey of our life continues towards eternity.
Taken, translated and Adapted by Rafael from: www.reflexiones.cristianas.com