Why Did We Toil?

Warriors Arise: September 22, 2020

John 21:7-9 (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.

Jesus wasn't leaving. He had prepared breakfast for them. They had been out all night and caught nothing. Jesus was on shore and had fish! And bread. What kind of craziness is this?

Why did Jesus have them cast their net and catch a multitude of fish when He was already preparing fish for them for breakfast?

Why did He bless their labor when they didn't need the fish?

We think God does miracles only when there is a "need" but this would not support that view. We cannot limit when God does a miracle or when He doesn't do a miracle. Miracles are not always need driven. There are so many who need a touch from Jesus. They need His healing hand to be extended to their bodies. I continue to pray for each one to receive their miracle. I know too many people I know that are battling cancer. And it is a battle I know all too well. I do not make light of those whose lives are being threatened by cancer, heart disease, COVID-19 or anything else. I believe God shows us through this passage that He cares not only for those with life-threatening disease but also for the things we toil through the night to see the fruit of our labor.

This event represents the love Jesus had for His disciples. It would have been humiliating for the disciples to return to shore after fishing all night and not have anything to show for their efforts, especially since Jesus had fish. Jesus wasn't trying to outdo His disciples. Matter-of-fact, Jesus could have caught His fish through a miracle as well. Even though the disciples were not going to need the fish they had caught, Jesus still did the miracle. He blessed their dedication to complete the task they set out to accomplish.

It had been a long night. Some of them were not fishermen, they did not have practice in staying up all night, casting and pulling in a net all throughout the night. Then the disciples towed the net full of fish to shore because they couldn't get the net inside the boat. Sometimes we put in the extra effort because we think there is going to be a need. The disciples received their miracle.

When they saw the fish prepared on the fire with the bread I imagine they were glad, because breakfast was ready. They were starving and had worked hard all night. They worked even harder towing the net filled with the multitude of fish. On the other hand, they could have been disgusted, "I worked all night for nothing. Jesus gave the command and then we had more fish than we could manage! Why didn't we think to command the fish to come into the net?"

Sometimes I wonder why we toil to accomplish certain tasks that we could have commanded to happen through the authority we are given, in Christ Jesus. Even if the miracle wasn't as ginormous as a multitude of fish at one time. Maybe just manageable loads. Maybe three casts of the net and they had all the fish they wanted.

How much of what you do each day do you pray over?

Do yo think your tasks throughout the day might be easier if you pray before beginning your tasks?

People you need to contact will be available when you call.

Communication would be clear so there are not mishaps.

Instead of being trapped in our day's activities, we would see people throughout our day that need help.

Doctor appointments might not take up so much time or maybe they would find the answer quicker because we asked God to direct their evaluation.

Meetings would take place in a timely manner.

Conversations would be beneficials and not steal our time.

Wisdom quickly solve a situation brings relief.

Understanding provides in the resolution.

What if we prayed at the beginning our day for God to intervene whenever He wants, wisdom, understanding, communication clarity, accurate diagnosis and solutions, assistance, and opportunities to help others.

Father, I pray to You know knowing that I need to start my day with You. I ask for You to help me seek You before my day begins rolling out of control. I ask for Your wisdom and understanding to fill me. I pray my words would be clear, understood and bring resolution in the problems that arise each day. I pray that I would seek You in the morning and submit to You all of the plans in my day. I will turn over my schedule and let You guide me. I pray for people all across America and the world to rise and seek You in the morning. They may not have time for their Bible time with You but I pray they would each seek You in the morning before their day gets away from them. I ask for people all across America to awaken to a new way of living, placing their lives in Your presence each morning. I pray You would be there and be heard. I pray each one would seek Your face and listen with every fiber of their being. I pray each would be guided by You. I pray each one would understand the authority You have given them and apply that authority in their life. I pray people to not be overwhelmed by the burden of filing insurance claims and getting payment. I pray their claims would be expedited, businesses to be restored, and the right treatments to be given. I ask for You to come and we would see for You to guide us each day 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.