Try One More Time

 By: Paula Short

"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!" Luke 5:4-7— NLT

Peter is tired from a long night of toiling. He's spent the past twelve hours trying to fish. As he watches the sun rise, he thinks about the pile of bills on his kitchen table. His son needs new shoes. His wife needs to see the doctor.

There's just not enough to go around.

He's failed to provide for them. Again.

Then Jesus appears on the scene. Peter's heard of the Carpenter from Nazareth, His miracles, and His healing. The Carpenter tells him to let down the nets once more.

Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

To Peter's surprise, his nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. He had to call for help from his partners on the other boat. They were all amazed by the catch.

Are you where Peter was? Have you tried again and again to accomplish something in your own strength? But no matter what you do, you just can't seem to get it together.

This passage teaches us that we should never give up, even when we are tired and discouraged. When we follow Jesus' instructions, he'll work through us to accomplish great things.

Here are some additional thoughts on the story:

• Peter was a professional fisherman. He had been fishing all night, and he knew what he was doing. But he was also tired and discouraged. He had tried his best, but he had failed.
• When Jesus told him to let down his nets one more time, Peter was hesitant. He didn't want to fail again. But he trusted Jesus, so he did as he was told.
• To Peter's surprise, his nets were filled to overflowing. He had never caught so many fish in his life. This miracle showed Peter that Jesus had the power to bless him even when he felt like a failure.
• The same is true for us. When we feel discouraged and hopeless, Jesus is always there to encourage us to try again. He knows our limits, but he also knows our potential. He wants us to trust him and to believe that he can do great things through us.

In the face of hopelessness and despair, Jesus is whispering over you the same thing He said to Peter, "Try one more time."

Let's Reflect

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus is whispering over you, "Try one more time"?
2. Are you willing to try one more time, even though you're tired and discouraged?
3. What do you believe Jesus is saying to you in this moment?