Do you have a dream or a vision? Most of us do. Sometimes we are uncertain of the path to take to make the dream a reality. What’s even more important is having guidance through the Holy Spirit, the strategic planning, and work ethic to match our faith (faith without works is dead being alone).

Are you someone who has started on the path of your vision or dream and now you feel stuck?

Did you think that by now what you wanted to create or what you have invested in should have produced more of a return?

Have you made a conscious effort to just do better but better seems to produce worse in your life?

Do you feel stuck in your walk with Jesus? The people you interact with speak more about religion than learning the person of Jesus, who He is and what He stands for so that you are clear on what to stand for?

No matter where you are in life, we all get to the point of feeling stuck. Frustration is a natural reaction to not so good news. But on today, I have some good news.

I just wanted to encourage your heart…DON’T GIVE UP!

This blessed my spirit on this morning during my studies. I read about a business man, who had been in the business for quite some time. He had seen some prosperous days and some days where he may have wondered if it was time to sail across another ocean (look for a new job). On this particular day of business, nothing was working for him. He tried many tactics to produce the very least of what he was accustomed to producing, to provide for his family – but nothing. He was a salesman. He sold and packaged the freshest seafood to his customers- but on this day…NOTHING!

Just as he was about to give up, he left his boat to wash his nets, call it a day and go home. As he returned to his boat, he witnesses a crowd of people, and a man seated in his boat by the name of Jesus. Jesus, without a request to use Peter’s place of business, chooses Peter’s boat, sits down, tells Peter to move slightly from the shore, and begins teaching the crowds of people.

Really Jesus? You just “deboed” Peter’s boat? FYI, Debo was a character who went around the neighborhood taking the things he desired from others- a big old bully. His character is from a movie entitled: “Friday.”

Nevertheless, Peter (known as Simon) did as instructed. Peter took his eyes off of his situation and focused on Jesus.

After Jesus finished ministering, He asked Peter to go farther out into the sea and drop his net. By this time, Peter has spent a considerable amount of time washing his nets. He is tired. He is sleepy and he is done!!! In fact, he was so done he, didn’t even put up a fuss about this man, he knows next to nothing about, getting on his boat and using it as a platform to minister.

Peter proceeds to tell Jesus: “With all do respect sir (Master), I have been here all night. I’ve tried everything I know how, and I have not caught anything. The fish ain’t biting today. I’m tired, and I’m going home.” (I’m paraphrasing here…)
But at the command of Jesus, again, Peter listens and throws his net down as Jesus instructs him. Low and behold, Peter’s net is so filled that the nets are about to break.

What am I saying? There was a period of time that had transpired from when Peter washed his nets, Jesus taught the people (who knows for how long) and when Peter dropped his net again. Of course we talking about Jesus who at his command, everything (except us humans) listens. Of course this was miraculous. But the point is- on this day, Peter’s timing was off. It was not time for Peter to catch the fish. He needed Jesus to direct his paths first and then Peter needed to follow the instructions of Jesus to produce a return on his investment.

Have you engaged Jesus? He is the same Jesus that gave Peter a business strategy. He told us to consult with Him first and He would direct us. We consult with the people whom we feel are the most savvy – the best SMEs (subject matter experts), but what about the one who creates the matter?

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6, KJV)

Let me encourage you this morning. You’re not stuck. You have been placed in this position to pause, reflect, and engage a business strategist by the name of Jesus Christ! This time, when you let down your net, do it at His command, and watch how it flourishes. Why would the Spirit give you something that would not benefit you? The vision is not yours. It is His. We aren’t smart enough to develop such elaborate businesses, but He is and God has placed special gifts within you to carry out this mission successfully- so engage with Him first.

At His word, let down the net.