MIDWEEK MEDITATION

Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

John 21:1-7a

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 
 
They had spent all night fishing and they didn't have so much as a minnow to show for it! This wasn't just a hobby to pass the time; no, these were men who knew how to fish. But all of that knowledge and intuition honed from years in the industry couldn't save them from one of the worst nights of fishing in their lives. 
 
At the height of frustration and fatigue, Jesus steps in. He could have entered into the picture much earlier and saved everyone a lot of frustration. But He didn't. He waited until they were exhausted before stepping in. Why? Because every disciple of Jesus needs to learn this critical lesson: you cannot do the work of Jesus without the power of Jesus. Each of us is called to be fishers of men, to reveal who God is to those around us. No matter our skill, or experience, we simply cannot do the work of Jesus without the power of Jesus. 
 
Where are you experiencing frustration and fatigue in your walk of faith? 
 
Jesus, save me from believing I can save myself. Give me Your strength to do the work You have called me to do today.