God-directed work
1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Psalm 24; Luke 5:1-11
Luke 5:5 says “We worked hard all night long and caught nothing.” Peter was not lazy and he was not inexperienced. He was a professional fisherman who had worked all night and still caught nothing. Hard work alone does not guarantee success. You can work harder, stay longer, struggle more and still come up empty.
Psalm 127:1 says: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” Peter was left empty until Jesus said, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets.” Peter obeyed, and suddenly the empty nets became overflowing nets. Don’t just work hard, pray hard as well.
Sometimes we are exhausted because we are doing everything for God but not with God. We have plans, strategies, connections, qualifications and experience, but we have forgotten to ask: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Peter was an expert in fishing, but he still needed the instruction of Jesus. Your expertise does not cancel your need for God.
You may be a professional, a businessperson, a teacher, a priest, a parent or a student. You may know your field very well, but there are waters only divine wisdom can help you navigate. Paul therefore warns us: “If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
Perhaps you are experiencing your own “empty net” today. You have prayed, worked, tried again and again, but nothing seems to be happening. Do not conclude that God has abandoned you. Sometimes God allows the net to remain empty so that you will finally listen to His voice. Peter’s greatest catch did not come from working longer. It came from obeying Jesus.
So, before you ask, “How can I work harder?” ask: “Am I working with Jesus?” Before you make another move, seek His will. Before you launch another plan, seek His direction. Before you enter another relationship, seek His wisdom. Because a busy life without God’s direction can produce a tired soul and an empty net.
St. Gregory the Great saw himself as the “servant of the servants of God.” He was the first Pope to use that title, based on Christ’s call for leaders to serve. He also reformed the Roman liturgy and strengthened Church discipline.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, direct our plans, bless our labour, and lead us into the deep where You want us to go. May our empty nets become testimonies of Your faithfulness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
