Thursday Thoughts: “Let’s Go Fishing”

Scripture
“When Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
— Luke 5:10 (ESV)

After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.
— John 21:1 (ESV)

When Jesus first called the disciples, He told them, “I will make you fishers of men.” The men He said this to were already fishermen. He wasn’t promising to make them better anglers, better boat captains, or better net tenders. He was calling them to something far greater—to cast their nets among the people of the world and make disciples of all nations.

Jesus’ final earthly command reinforced this calling.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
— Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

He told Peter, “On this rock I will build My church.” Then came the crucifixion. The disciples watched Jesus die. They heard Him say, “It is finished.” Their Rabbi, their Teacher, their Leader was gone.

So what did they do?

They went fishing.
Literally.

John tells us in John 21 that Peter returned to the boats—and the other disciples followed him.

Why is it that when life gets hard, we so often return to what we knew before Jesus?
Why do we drift back to old habits, old comforts, old sins?
Why do we turn to what feels familiar instead of running toward Christ?

Peter, John, and the sons of Zebedee were fishermen by trade. When Jesus called them, they became evangelists by calling. But when fear and grief set in, they went back to what was comfortable.

Beloved, we do the same thing.

When we feel lost, discouraged, or uncertain, we often walk away from Christ instead of walking toward Him. Just like the disciples, we return to what once defined us—work, control, addiction, distractions, or sin—thinking it will sustain us.

But the disciples fished all night and caught nothing.
They worked tirelessly—and were completely fruitless.

Then morning came.
Jesus stood on the shore and said,
“Cast the net on the right side of the boat.”
— John 21:6 (ESV)

In essence, He was saying, Turn from what you know. Trust Me again.

When they obeyed, the nets filled so heavily they couldn’t even haul them into the boat. The catch was overwhelming. Blessings piled up, pressed down, and overflowing.

And John records one detail that matters deeply:
“Although there were so many fish, the net was not torn.”
— John 21:11 (ESV)

When we fish on the world’s side, our nets tear.
Our mental health suffers.
Our relationships fracture.
Our bodies and spirits take damage.

But when we return to Christ’s side, He restores.
He strengthens what was weakened.
He heals what was broken.

This is not a health-and-wealth gospel.
Pain still exists.
Sickness still comes.
Loss still hurts.

But the ultimate healing is found in Christ—and one day, in a perfect body with our Savior.

Beloved, when you stand at a crossroads—between worldly comfort and obedience to Christ—remember this truth:

There are always more fish on the side of Jesus.
And when you fish with Him, your nets will not be destroyed.

So today…
Let’s go fishing.

But let’s go fishing on the side of Christ.

Prayer
Father, when life becomes difficult and discouraging, keep us from returning to old comforts that leave us empty. Teach us to trust Your voice again, to cast our nets where You lead, and to believe that Your way always produces true fruit. Strengthen what is torn in us and draw us back to You with obedience and faith. In Christ’s name.

Takeaway
When the nets come up empty, don’t go back—look for Jesus on the shore.
Obedience brings fruit.
Fishing with Christ brings restoration.
Cast your net on His side today.