How Would You React?

Warriors Arise: September 24, 2020

John 21:7-10 (NKJV) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

It's a legitimate question: "How Would You React?" The reason I ask this is to let the Holy Spirit search our hearts. We might react differently.

• One might be ecstatic to see Jesus.

• One might be frustrated with being stuck on that boat, thinking they would never catch anything.

• One might be grateful breakfast is ready. They don't have to wait to eat, because Jesus has already prepared and cooked the fish and bread.

• One might be upset, "If He was going to have breakfast ready for us why did we cast the net? Why did we haul it in? What are we going to do with the fish we caught?"

As we think about it, God's blessing are not always received with excitement or pleasure. They should be; however, we are humans and we can get in the way of being a grateful receiver of His blessings. Some people begrudged those who were not working through the pandemic, collecting their check from the government, taking vacations, and upgrading their house, with all the time to do home improvements. Some people were irritated, at those who were working, because they weren't following the rules of social distancing and wearing masks. In whatever situation you found yourself in this pandemic did you thank God? Did you refrain from being upset with what others did or didn't do?

Let's think about it.

Are you thankful for the job you have? Because many lost their jobs from the pandemic.

Are you thankful you still have a business to operate? Because scores of businesses lost merchandise, windows, doors and whole buildings from the protests. While others lost their business, because the governors of their states and the mayors of their cities would not let them open or surrendered to rioters.

Are you thankful you are in good health? Because there are a number of people who lost their lives to the coronavirus, flu, heart attacks, cancer and other terminal illness in the last 6 months.

Are you thankful your mind can still comprehend and hold a conversation? Because there are many each day who struggle with dementia and alzheimers.

The disciples had worked hard all night. They had cast the net again and again and still nothing. Then Jesus tells them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. Then they have more fish in the net than they can pull into the boat. When we are at a loss, Jesus sees our need. When we have nothing. Jesus gives us something. When we have worked diligently. Jesus rewards our efforts. The disciples could have come in when the sun rose but morning came and they were going to keep going. Jesus could have also known they would remain out in the boat until they caught something but what if He wanted them to come in and fellowship with Him.

There are times God blesses us, not because we have toiled, not because we are doing the right thing, not because we of our diligence, but because He wants to spend time with us. He wants us to provide for us. He wants to take care of His children.

My parents have shown this characteristic a number of times. I do not do everything they want me to do. Sometimes I totally mess it up. Sometimes I toil at things and they intervene, to do things for me or provide for me. They call me and invite my family to supper just so I take a break from my normal routine and lighten the load that day. Did I do anything to earn it? Absolutely not, sometimes I think they do it because they realize I need a break to step back and re-evaluate the situation or my routine. Sometimes I have the food out, ready to prepare and they call to invite us in for supper. This is similar to what Jesus did for the disciples. His love for them is revealed in how He takes care of their need in the moment. They were hungry and Jesus was prepared to meet the need.

It seems simple. God does these types of things to display His love for each one of us. If we never recognize what He does for us, then we miss out of strengthening our relationship with Him. He doesn't get credit because we didn't know He did it. If we do not recognize God working on our behalf, providing for us, or giving us a pause in our day then how will we know to worship Him for what He has done?

Father, I ask for You to come and make me aware when You have given me rest. I ask to know when You are providing for me. It may be a meal or it may be financially. It doesn't really matter how You provide or what You provide. What matters is that I know You are providing. I want my relationship with You to grow. I want to give honor and praise for all You do for me. I ask to see You intervene in my day so I know how a situation was resolved, I know You were involved and made things work together for good. I fail to worship You when I do not recognize You being involved in my day, resolving problems, and providing opportunities. I want to worship You and praise You for all You do for me. I pray You would open the eyes of the people across America. I pray they would see where You have protected them, given them another chance, making a way for a better job, restoring their business or giving them a fresh start in business. I pray each one would recognize You working in their lives to restore what was stolen from them and provide opportunities that would not have been there before. I pray for people to be ready to seize the opportunity for new jobs and businesses. I pray they would see You are giving them a chance to make things better than they were before. I pray they would seek You for wisdom and diligence to get out of the situation they were in and lay hold of the new opportunity You are providing for them now in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy

My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.