From Struggling To Overflow

FROM STRUGGLING TO OVERFLOW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 5:1-7

Supporting Texts: Psalm 126:1-6, Joel 2:25-27, Deuteronomy 28:11-12, John 21:3-6

INTRODUCTION:

Struggling can wear a person down—not just physically but also mentally and spiritually. Many sincere believers find themselves in situations where they are putting in all the effort, yet seeing no reward. They labour tirelessly, invest their time and energy, and pour out their hearts, but nothing seems to yield fruit. This was the case with Peter, a professional fisherman, who had toiled all night without catching a single fish. But something changed the moment Jesus stepped into his boat.

When Jesus becomes the centre of your efforts—your career, ministry, business, or personal life—everything changes. His presence brings direction, favour, and abundance. Struggles cease when Jesus takes the lead. This message is an invitation to surrender your empty nets to Him and receive divine overflow.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE FRUSTRATION OF STRUGGLING

There must be a recognition of the weariness that struggling brings before one can experience a turnaround.

a) Struggling brings weariness – Prolonged effort without visible results can be draining. Peter had laboured all night and was physically exhausted (Luke 5:5). Like Peter, many are washing their nets today—cleaning up after another fruitless attempt at life’s pursuits.

b) Struggling without results affects faith – Repeated failure begins to erode confidence. Over time, it can make you question your calling, your competence, or even God’s promises. Faith begins to waver when success seems elusive.

c) Struggling in isolation is dangerous – Before Jesus arrived, Peter was alone in his frustration. Isolation during seasons of struggle can breed discouragement and despair. It’s in such moments that the enemy whispers lies.

d) Struggling without God leads to futility – Any effort that lacks God’s guidance and blessing is bound to be unproductive. Psalm 127:1 declares, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” Human effort, no matter how intense, is limited without divine involvement.

Biblical Example: The Israelites in Egypt were subjected to hard labour and bitter bondage, but their struggle only ended when God intervened with a mighty hand (Exodus 1:13-14; Exodus 3:7-8).

2. INVITE JESUS INTO YOUR BOAT

Transformation begins the moment we allow Jesus into the centre of our efforts.

a) Jesus brings direction and clarity – He told Peter exactly where and how to fish (Luke 5:4). Divine guidance replaces guesswork when Jesus is in the boat. Confusion gives way to clarity when He takes control.

b) Jesus brings divine favour – His presence alone makes the difference. With Jesus in your boat, doors open that were once closed. Like Joseph, who prospered because “the Lord was with him” (Genesis 39:2), divine presence guarantees success.

c) Obedience to His word releases miracles – Peter didn’t argue. He responded, “Nevertheless at thy word…” (Luke 5:5). That simple act of obedience unlocked a miracle. Many remain in struggle simply because they haven’t obeyed His voice.

d) Jesus turns ordinary efforts into extraordinary results – Peter used the same net, the same boat, and the same waters—but the results were different because Jesus was involved. God doesn’t always change the tools, He anoints them.

Biblical Example: At the wedding in Cana, Jesus transformed water into wine only after He was invited. What was about to be an embarrassing moment turned into a glorious celebration because Jesus was present (John 2:1-11).

3. FOLLOW DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS EVEN WHEN IT DEFIES LOGIC

Divine instructions often seem irrational to the natural mind, but they carry the power for breakthrough.

a) Divine instructions may not make sense – Peter, an experienced fisherman, knew it was pointless to fish in the daytime. Yet, Jesus told him to launch out then. Obedience sometimes requires doing what seems illogical.

b) Obedience activates the supernatural – The moment Peter obeyed, a miraculous catch occurred. When we act on God’s word, even without full understanding, heaven responds with power.

c) Faith requires humility – Peter had to lay aside his professional knowledge and yield to the command of a carpenter. Faith often means trusting God beyond your experience and expertise.

d) God uses foolish things to confound the wise – What appears foolish or unreasonable to man often becomes the stage for God’s greatest works (1 Corinthians 1:27). Trusting divine wisdom over human logic is the key to victory.

Biblical Example: Naaman was a respected military commander, but his healing came through a strange command—dipping seven times in the Jordan River. Though it seemed foolish, it worked because it was divine (2 Kings 5:10-14).

4. GOD TURNS STRUGGLING INTO OVERFLOW

God not only delivers us from struggle—He ushers us into an overwhelming abundance.

a) The result of obedience is abundance – Peter’s net could not contain the catch. His obedience brought him into a realm of more than enough (Luke 5:6).