Jesus told the disciples to go fishing at a time when they were tired and discouraged from working all night and yielding nothing. Returning to their boats to repeat the night’s activities probably didn’t appeal to them; perhaps they would rather have gone home to sleep. Nevertheless, they went. And they experienced an amazing harvest as a result.

I can relate – at times I’ve felt tired and discouraged from working hard in ministry with few visible results. That’s when I’d love to trade responsibilities for rest, but then I hear God’s voice say, “Go” or “Remember so-and-so? Phone her this morning. She needs a word of encouragement.” Obeying God’s voice even when we don’t feel like it is imperative if we want to help gather a spiritual harvest.

The disciples were experienced fishermen. Jesus’ instructions didn’t make sense to them, but they followed them anyway. Their focus wasn’t on following fishing “smarts.” It was on following Jesus. This is a great example for us today. When building God’s kingdom, we’d better be careful to follow Jesus’ commands more than programs or personalities.

The disciples were busy cleaning their nets when Jesus told them to go fishing. The nets may not have been ready, but the fish were! We may not always feel prepared for ministry, but Jesus says, “Go. There’s a harvest ready and waiting.” We might feel like arguing, “My nets aren’t ready – I can’t speak eloquently enough, I don’t have enough Bible knowledge, I don’t have enough training.” But the command remains – “Go. A harvest awaits.” Are we willing and obedient even when we feel somewhat unprepared?

 Jesus sent the disciples to bring in the harvest after they’d spent time with Him. This is so important! Spending time in Jesus’ presence refreshes us when we’re weary and equips us for further ministry. Spending time with Jesus – the Lord of the harvest – ought to be at the top of our priority list.

Thanks for sharing your insights, Janna. Anyone else care to share theirs?

A few days ago, I picked up one of my old journals and began reading the entries. Suddenly I came across an entry that outlined this story, and I’d written several questions that it raised then – more than a year ago. Do we sometimes attempt ministry based on strategies already known to us? Techniques that feel comfortable? Plans that have proven effective in the past, but now fail to yield results? How does Jesus view these strategies? How would He do things differently? What’s the secret to an abundant harvest?

On the weekend, during my regular devotional reading, I came across the same story. It’s found in Luke 5:4-11. Okay then. This is the third time the Holy Spirit has placed this account before me. Beyond a doubt, He’s trying to tell me something. I believe it has everything to do with my writing/speaking ministry as well as our ministry with International Messengers. An abundant harvest awaits, and I’m convinced it will not happen via normal methods or manmade strategies. How, then, will it take place? I’m beyond curious at this point.

How about you? Are you trying to accomplish a God-given assignment using manmade strategies? That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with those techniques. But perhaps God has another approach, one that will yield results beyond imagination. It likely won’t make sense, but He’ll do amazing things if you only say yes.

If you go to my website, you can read a sample from the book, see the cover photo, and read the list of endorsements. If you like what you see, get a copy of the book and use it with your kids. Then tell everyone you know about it — children’s ministry directors, other parents, Christian school principals, homeschool families, and even camp program directors (it’s ideal for camp counselors to use for bedtime devotionals with your kids). Write a review for amazon.com or amazon.ca. I would love to have your help in spreading the word about this book as a valuable resource for our kids’ spiritual development.

As women, there are lots of ways to influence our families and society for good and for God. This is just one practical way to do so. Let’s go to battle for our kids’ spiritual growth and well-being!