Valerie is a born and raised Southern California girl. She is married and a stay-at-home mother to three wonderful blessings. Before her calling to homeschool, she wrote for public television, taught kindergarten, and was a live-in Nanny. She is currently Moderator of an International Yahoo GroupJust4homeschoolfamilies, The Heart Of The Matter online magazine; as well as Senior Editor of an monthly newsletter Words Of Encouragement.
I ran across this devotion by Greg Laurie (Pastor of A New Beginning radio program) and thought I would share it with you. It's perfect for this time of year when taxes are due, school is being ended, and summer plans are being made. I pray this blesses you...
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also."
How many times have you wanted to leave your problems behind, get away from it all, and hang the "Gone fishing" sign on your office door?
After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were waiting in Galilee for Jesus as He had instructed them. Not knowing what else to do, they decided, under the leadership of Peter, to go out and fish.
The apostle John tells the story like this:
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3–4)
Well, these disciples went out fishing and they caught nothing. That was not a bad thing. But Jesus had them catch nothing to prove a point, which was the futility and uselessness of living our lives without the direction and blessing of Jesus.
You can aim at your goals. You can work hard in business, work hard at everything you hold dear, and still your dreams may not be fulfilled because you did not have the Lord direct your life. You did not invite Him to bless your plan or, more importantly, direct you in your plans.
So often we will think, It's my life and my future and my career and my family and my money. We forget that we belong to God.
We need to remember—it's God's life. It's His future.
He is so gracious and loving. He wants to guide and direct your steps. Did you know that? God has a custom-designed plan just for your life.
Keep that in mind as you think about your future. Say, "Lord, what do You want me to do? I don't want to go fishing and pull up empty nets. I want You to direct me. I want You to guide me."
