It is
Time
to Try
Again
Eturuvie Erebor
Today is a good day to try
again. Remember Simon Peter,
the professional fisherman
with years of experience? Well,
although he was experienced
and considered an expert in his
field, his expertise failed him
one night. He had gone out
fishing as usual, but it had been
a most unusual night. He put all
his expertise to use but nothing
worked, and so he gave up. He
had toiled, he had done all that
he knew to do, but nothing had
worked, and so it was time to
pack it all up and return home;
the mission had been a failure,
or so he thought. He steered his
ship towards the sea shore and
got out to wash his nets.
While he washed his net, Jesus
approached him and asked to
use his boat as a platform from
which to preach His message.
Peter did not mind, and Jesus
asked him to steer the ship a
little away from the land. Peter
got back into the ship without
realising that he was getting
a chance to try again. After
teaching a while, Jesus said to
him, “Launch into the deep
and let down your nets for a
draught.” I can imagine that Peter’s first reaction must have been,
“You can’t be serious.” Remember that Peter was an expert as far as
fishing was concerned and he knew that at that time of the morning
it was impossible to get any fish, which was the reason he gave up in
the first place. However, I think he may have heard some of Jesus’
preaching and thought, “this man is a great teacher, let me honour His
word,” but of course not without first pointing out the hopelessness
of the situation. He said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught
nothing. Nevertheless, at your word I will let down the net.” As soon
as he did, the net enclosed a great multitude of fishes so much so that
he beckoned on his partners to help him, but the fish was too much
for both boats, and they began to sink.
Several things can be learnt from this story. One, Peter, succeeded in
the same place where he had failed, not a different place but the very
same place. Therefore, the fact that you failed in a place is not to say
that you can’t succeed there another time. Two, Peter succeeded in
the same profession where he had failed. So, a change of job may not
be the answer you require. Three, although, he had given up, when
he returned with a new determination to succeed, all the forces that
had hitherto worked against him, turned to work for him. Life will
give you what you are determined to have. Four, he succeeded at a
time when it was naturally more difficult for him to do so. Five, he got
more than he would have had the first time.
When you return to the place of failure to try again, you will be paid
for all you lost the first time.
DOZ Magazine February 2018
11 «