ZERO TO ABUNDANCE IN NOTHING FLAT

"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." (John 21:5-6, NIV)

For two months I was looking forward to this week. Three rounds of golf in two days with my beloved golfing buds.

The first two rounds were a major disappointment. In fact, I played as though I had never golfed in my life. A decent shot was invariably followed by a pull which was followed with hitting it fat then thin. Nothing felt right. Once again, the game had humbled me.

Fortunately, we had a day off before we began our third and final round. That evening, I went to the practice range. I slowly warmed up while visualizing a smooth, "Couples-like" swing. It was by far the best practice session I ever had. Almost every shot, no matter which club I used, went where I was aiming. My last 10 balls, I pretended to be on the first tee at tomorrow's round. Ten shots hit right where I wanted them to go.

To my delight, for the first time in my life, the practice session carried over to the actual golf. I shot an 82 and tied my personal best for this Johnny Miller-designed track. From frustration to personal best in a matter of hours. You gotta love this game we love to hate!

For three years the disciples had followed Jesus. Miracles and changed lives were witnessed by all. However, now, after the crucifixion, all seemed lost. Peter, still dealing with his denial, took it upon himself to return to what he felt comfortable with. He decided to go fishing.

After fishing all night they had caught nothing. With just one command--"try the right side of the boat"--Jesus changed everything. So many fish were caught they could not haul them in. Jesus stepped in at just the right moment. The defeated group of disciple-fishermen went from 0 to abundance in nothing flat. By simply obeying the word of the Lord, defeat was turned into victory.

Many years ago a young man was ready to quit the ministry. Nothing was going right. Just as he was ready to accept a corporate position, a small group of about 20 people called him and asked if he would be the pastor of their fellowship. He accepted and that was the beginning of Chuck Smith's ministry at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California--a ministry God has used to impact the world for more than three decades.

It all begins with a fresh hearing of His Word. Communion with the Lord comes first. Then, as we walk in obedience, the abundance of God begins to flood our lives. His presence fills us and defeat is turned to victory.

--

Brad Davis

May 2, 2006

Copyright 2006 Links Players International

The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.