John 21: 1-19
The fishing scenario today in John 21 got me thinking about how I operate sometimes. I'm guessing you'll be able to relate. Here's my scenario. I start pursuing a goal or task for the Lord and I work and work at it but this task isn't as successful as I hoped it would be. So I try harder and, of course, ponder what the problem is. And then, it hits me. I realize that even though I've been working hard for the Lord, I haven't really sought after His direction and guidance. And then when I do, it makes all the difference in the world.
So have you had any of these "fishing" experiences? How can we do a better job of seeking the Lord's direction before we jump in to a task? Tami W.
It's pretty easy to run ahead of the Lord. A few times I've helped with something that seemed great, only to find out (after it didn't pan-out) - that this "project" wasn't born from the Lord; only our own intuition. It's always wisest to seek the Lord in prayer before going "fishing"!
I agree with both of you. It is easy to get going on our own projects without consulting God first - or asking Him part way through. Matthew 6:33 clearly tells us to seek God first - then everything else will put into place (my translation / understanding). If honoring and glorifying God is our goal, then He will see that we are prepared and given opportunities to do so. But the waiting, sometimes...!
Oh boy you hit the nail on the head. I have a tendency to want to go ahead and do things. I am a visionary person. That's not necessarily bad as long as you temper it with taking time to seek out God's wisdom first.
It tells me that Jesus is a merciful and forgiving God. He forgave Peter when he disowned him and he forgives us when we ask.
Isn't it interesting that Peter jumped in ahead of the rest. How often I too, "jump in!" It is hard to wait but when I do seek the Lord's direction in scripture and prayer I look for His peace about a decision. When I'm feeling tossed to and fro I remember James 1:5-8. Ask in faith without doubting. Also I ask for prayer from those I trust who can also give me "Godly advice." God uses His Word primarily, then circumstances and other Godly Christians.
In answer to your question, sometimes the best way to seek the Lord's direction is to simply stay put by waiting on Him. I'm guilty of charging into a situation by following my flesh vs. His lead but I'm learning that waiting on Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct me always bears fruit. Waiting will bring the 'fish' (answer/direction) we're searching for...
Goodness I'm with you all. Do I seek The LORD before I do a task? Hum I'd say I try to do my work as if it were unto the LORD. Spiritual things? I believe Christ lead me to BTTB and P4 and I feel He is blessing me greatly here. Thank you all. I don't know In October I felt lead to go to a haunted house. I believed it was the LORD leading me to and I thought well maybe he is going to touch someone through me there. Where to blood of Jesus goes things change. And So I went in full armor on. And laughed the whole way through. Praise the LORD that house has now been torn down. I don't know if it was me leading me or Christ after the fact because I have read a verse since then about not looking on any evil thing. Praise The LORD, all things work for the good, hey.