A Season of Breakthrough

The following post is based on the story of Luke 5:1-11. Jesus has spent the morning teaching the crowds by the beach and even has to move onto a boat, pushed slightly away from the shore so that more people can hear him teach. Whilst he's in the boat, He sees Peter weary and disappointed by the lack of fish that he had caught the night before and so instructs Peter to throw is net out the other side of the boat. Peter's response reveals a whole host of feelings that could have got in the way of listening and obeying Jesus. He says,

"Master, we've worked hard all night and we haven't caught anything..." 

This is Peter before his divine encounter. He is frustrated and carrying the weight of disappointment on his shoulders. Perhaps he's feeling embarrassed that they haven't caught anything, he was after all an experienced fisherman right? Perhaps he's feeling hopeless? Sometimes things never change do they? He's been working all night, so it's likely he's tired,weary and wet and simply wants to go home and rest.

Yet Peter was about to have an encounter with Divinity, he was about to experience his breakthrough. And because he didn't give up, he received everything and more that he was looking for - a whole load of fish and a revelation of the glory and power of Jesus that would change his life forever (Luke 5: 6-11).

I don't know about you but there are times when I can feel like Peter: frustrated, empty -handed, weary and hopeless. But I find encouragement in this story of Peter's determination not to give up and his obedience to the simple instruction of Jesus. And as I reflect on this story, I wonder if this is a timely reminder for all of us in whatever our situation is right now...

I feel like we are now in the moment of breakthrough and I hear all of Heaven cry out, "Don't give up!" The dreams in our hearts weren't put there by mistake, they are dreams and longings with purpose. They are pregnant with purpose and now is the time of breakthrough.

I hear the Lord say, "Learn from the faith of the Canaanite lady (Matthew 15: 21-28). She was not an Israelite, yet she pushed in and received the promise of healing for her daughter. What you see is her moment of breakthrough - what you do not see is the years of pain and anguish and crying out that she persevered through to get to this point. When she saw me passing by, she knew it was her moment of breakthrough - her appointed time had come. And now I say to you - your appointed time has come."

"Ask of me and I will give you the nations. Learn from me and I will take the heavy yoke. Do not let this moment pass you by. I am close. I have heard the prayers of your heart and I am here to answer them. You have grown strong from asking and now I will show myself strong on your behalf." (2 Chronicles 16:9)