Subject: "How to Deal with Uncertainty and Change in Life"
Scripture Text: John 21:1-11 “Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.”
Introduction: These handpicked disciples of Jesus found themselves off target and off task in amid uncertainty. It’s normal and natural to feel uncomfortable about not knowing what's next. These feelings may arise from our desire to control our lives and environments, but unfortunately, in life there is a lot that’s out of our control. When we can't predict or influence the future, especially in high-stakes situations, it's understandable to feel apprehensive and anxious. Coping during times of uncertainty requires a balanced approach to maintain both your mental and physical well-being. These disciples were trying to find a new rhythm for their life. They needed a regular routine they could control. Now without sleep and food, they only had each other for support. Fish activities normally reduced their stress and improved their mood. This trip only increased their anxiety and robbed them of their focus. How do you Keep focused during in uncertain days?
John 21 is the story of the resurrected Lord who appeared to His disciples at the end of an all-night fishing trip. Jesus encouraged them to cast their nets of the right side of the boat for success. Then on the shore, Jesus called them to himself, cook them breakfast and ate with them and invited Peter to demonstrate his love for the Lord by feeding His sheep. The disciples had become sidetracked. If it can happen to them, it can happen to us. What do you expect to accomplish in the season of uncertainty? What has captured your attention up to the point? How will you carry out what God called you to do? How will you maintain your focus in the face of discouragement, delays and disappointments?
Do you remember how clear your vision was when you first started out? You just wanted to see people saved. You wanted to see them grow to maturity. Remember, it was before you were a founder, or pastor. Before you were a bishop or an apostle. I remember how simple my life was before all this! Our world is so noisy and there are things crying out for attention. Staying focus requires a constant effort for me. I keep focused by stopping some of the noise and focusing on what’s important. I am still in a race that has eternal consequences. I refocus my attention, to get back on course, make necessary adjustments, revise my strategies and refocus on my assignment. How will you keep the vision in clear view with so many distractions? Many of us start out well but tend to lose our focus. Pressing needs and concerns causes many to abandon their goals and forget their dreams. They settle for a place on the sideline where ministry becomes a response to crisis rather than building the kingdom.
John’s gospel gives us insight about focus. Amazingly, John chose not to end his gospel with the ascension. How could he not want to end his gospel on such a high note. It does not get any better than having your Lord disappearing into the clouds, while the angels are saying, “This same Jesus is coming again in like manner.” No, John concludes with this fascinating story of a weary Simon Peter and several discouraged disciples on an unsuccessful fishing expedition.
It's easy to get lost and overwhelmed in the chaos, responsibilities, and challenges of life. Once overwhelmed, it's tempting to forget about the vision and leave the assignment which at one time was near and dear to your heart. I find it helpful to keep asking myself the question, "What's really important?" Reminding myself of the most important things helps me keep my priorities straight. We can quickly lose focus and get lost in the busyness of life. Keeping focused each day helps me keep my actions in line with my goals. Keeping focused proves to be challenging for almost everyone, but especially for those in ministry.
The faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus found themselves facing the same problem. Their lives had been filled with turbulence the last few days. The events were almost unbelievable, from the arrest of Jesus in the garden, the mocked trial with its guilty verdict, the betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter. Peter, one of Christ’s inner circle, had been humbled by guilt and shame. Peter had fled weeping bitterly in anguish. The rest of the disciples had deserted their Lord and scattered in fear. Remember, after the crucifixion, an alarming report by the women proclaimed, “He has risen from the dead. He has risen as He said.” The disciples, slow in heart to believe found themselves hiding behind the closed doors of an upper room, when suddenly; Jesus appeared and stood in their midst, proclaiming, “Peace be unto you.” One can only imagine the joy of that reunion. The Bible records several appearances of the Lord Jesus as he showed himself alive by many infallible proofs.
The disciples were experiencing a season of uncertainty. What were they to do when Jesus was not around? What should believers do when Jesus seems to be silent? Here in John 21, Jesus has not been seen for more than ten days. The disciples had received no word, no sign; not even a glimpse of him. They were called to be fishers of men, but now their ministries seem to be on hold. They lost focus. Their uncertainty turns to boredom, their boredom turned to disappointment; their disappointment led to frustration, and the frustration led Peter to say, “I am going fishing.” The other disciples decided to go with him. John says, “And that night they caught nothing.” Amid their weariness, Jesus shows up and asked a question. If we are going to remain focused, we must make an honest assessment. Are you doing any good? If you are going to keep focus, we must
1. Be Quick To Assess Your Actions. Be quick to make an honest assessment about what we are doing. John 21:5 “Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.”
Many times, when the Lord chooses to be silent, we come up with our own plans. Instead of the plan blessing our lives, our failed plans add more frustration. Peter and the disciples went back to their old career. They went back to their old familiar place, doing old familiar things in an old familiar way. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
How do we keep the revival fires burning in our heart? How do we keep growing personally when we are experiencing disappointment? Bill Bright in his book gives five characteristics of a growing Christian. He was probably writing to new Christians, but I believe they mirror things all of us need to remember to do. (1) keep reading your Bible (2) keep praying (3) keep fellowshipping with other Christians (4) keep obeying God and (5) Keep your heart open to God.
2. Be Quick To Respond to God’s Command - John 21:6, “And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” The sign of an open heart is an obedient response. Their obedience brought instant results. They were fishing on the wrong side of the boat. The fish were only a few inches away. This teaches all of us that there is a right side and a wrong side; a right time and a wrong time; and there is our way and there is God’s way. If we are willing to make an honest assessment of our action and be willing to hear, God will speak again. God does not abandoned his children because they lose focus, He will revisit them and recommission them. He will give us another chance to respond to his command. When we face uncertainty, God knows that our sense of control is challenged. Our minds might start to imagine all sorts of possible outcomes, which may cause worry or frustration. It's an inherent human response, but it can be overwhelming. So, God will find us, help us and give us an opportunity to obey his command. He will strengthen our faith and refocus our attention.
3. Be Quick To Return to His Presence. Faithful obedience always brings us closer to Jesus - John 21:9-10 “As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.”
They caught 153 fish in a single draught, as they were gathering them, Jesus said, “come and dine, breakfast is ready.” Isn’t that a wonderful moment. Can you imagine Jesus cooking breakfast? The world’s fire had left Peter cold and distraught, full of shame, but now Peter is welcomed to warm at the fire of Jesus. Jesus does two important things for his disciples. (1) He warmed them. They had been away from his presence, and they had been chilled by a disappointing, all-night fishing trip on a dark cold sea. (2) He fed them. When they were warm and full in the comfort of his presence, Jesus broke the silence and spoke to Simon Peter. Let’s read John 21:15.
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.”
Even though they were warm and full, there was still some unfinished business. Notice Jesus calls him, “Simon.” Simon was his old name. Why would Jesus do that? Just as Simon received a new name, we also receive a new name when we take on the cloak of ministry. Peter’s ministry had begun with so much excitement. There were many miracles wrought in his presence. Peter could not hide his enthusiasm. Many of us in ministry began the same way. Over the years, something has happened. Our excitement was drained. Our ministry became a burden instead of a blessing. We once loved Jesus so much, nothing could stop us.
Jesus’ question to Simon Peter is the fundamental question to all of us in ministry. Every person in ministry is responding to this question in everything we do. Jesus was not asking how long you spend in sermon preparation, or how well you exegete scripture. His question was basic, “How much do you love me?” Jesus knew that if Simon Peter could answer that question correctly, everything else would fall in place. If you and I can answer that question correctly, everything else will fall in place. Our success and devotion to ministry is absolutely tied to our love for Jesus. Our love for Jesus characterizes everything we do in ministry. Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love me?”
How does one love Jesus? Someone has said, “We love him in our thoughts.” What do you think about Jesus? His Church? Others? We love him or betray him by our speech. How do you speak about Jesus? His church? Others? We love him by our desire to be with him. Do you pant after Jesus? Do you lone to fellowship with the saints? Finally, one of the clearest ways to love him is our devotion to serving him by serving His people. This text could be called the restoration of Peter. Jesus uses this encounter to call Peter back to the mission. Today, this might be God’s way to call us back on target and back on task. Believers should Be Quick To Assess our actions, Be Quick To respond to God’s command, Be Quick To return to God’s presence, and finally Be Quick To Demonstrate our Love for Jesus.
4. Be Quick To Demonstrate our Love for Jesus. Be quick to surrender yourself again. Keep your eyes on Jesus and on your assignment - John 21:19-21 “Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”
Watch out! Jesus said to Peter if you love me, demonstrate it by serving others. Feed my sheep, tend my lambs and take care of my sheep. Peter started looking around. Looking around at others may discourage you as you notice the success of their ministry. There may be the temptation to become envious of them, doubtful about your own ministry and despair causing you to feel like a failure. “What about him Lord?” Jesus rebukes Simon saying, “You follow me.” You must look only to me! You follow me. Comparison had been the downfall of many good ministers and a great source of jealousy.
As you continue your journey through uncertainty, you must make your decisions based on how much you love the son. Do you love him enough to keep on going? Do you love him enough to keep on sacrificing? If you do, do it out of a great love for the Son of God. A story is told:
“A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart, and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art. The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift." The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home; he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel.
"We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?"
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."
But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?"
Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs and the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!"
But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!"
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
"What about the paintings?"
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, will you do it for the son?" Will you go back to hard fields and discontented field hands and keep on working? Won’t you do it for His Son? Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
Today, I want to remind every believer to Be Quick To Assess Your Actions, Be Quick To Respond to God’s Command, Be Quick To Return to God’s presence, and finally Be Quick To Demonstrate Your Love for Jesus by Serving Others. Obedience always brings us closer to Jesus and keeps us on target and on task. Surrender to Jesus keep our eyes on our Savior and our focus on our own assignment. If you do, you can count on at least three things: (1) You’ll receive a measure of inner satisfaction; (2) you’ll receive a fresh call to ministry; and (3) You’ll receive new directions, then follow Jesus to where only He can take you.
Only Jesus can lead us into becoming more like him. Only Jesus can lead us into successful ministry. Jesus can take us where we could never go by ourselves. We may never be led to the largest congregation in the city. We may never preach to thousands in great stadiums. There is a place for each of us in the kingdom where He alone can take us. He knows who we are and what He has called us to do. We should follow him because Christ will be with us when others won’t. Many people may leave us, but Christ never will. Finally, we should let the highest aim in ministry be the desire to imitate Christ. Then we must keep going because we have a calling to fulfill. Charles Wesley’s hymn challenges us to go on, “A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify; A never dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill; O may it all my powers engage, to do my master’s will. Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live, And, oh, thy servant, Lord, Prepare a strict account to give. Help me to watch and pray, and on Thyself rely, Assured if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 said it this way, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Amen.
