He Fought Against Fear and Doubt - "Stop Being Afraid"

Peter like accompanied Jesus on part of the preaching tour that ensued. He may thus have  seen Jesus perform his first miracle, that of turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana.  More important, he heard Jesus' marvelous and hope-filled message about the Kingdom of God.  Still, he tore himself away and returned to his fishing business. Some months later, though, Peter was again face-to-face with Jesus-and this time Jesus invited Peter to follow him full-time as a way of life.

Peter had just endured a discouraging night's work. Again and again, the fishermen had let down their nets, only to haul them in empty.  Peter sure brought all his experience and ingenuity to bear on the problem, trying various spots in the lake to find where the fish were feeding.  No doubt, there were times when he, like so many fishermen, wished he could peer right into the murky waters to find the schools of fish or somehow will them into his nets.  Of course, such thoughts could only deepen his frustration.  This was no pleasure sport for Peter; people depended on him to catch fish. Finally, he came ashore empty-handed.  The nets had to be cleaned. He was thus busily engaged when Jesus approached.

A crowd was pressing in on Jesus, eagerly taking in his every word.  Hemmed in by them, Jesus got into Peter's boat and asked him to pull away a bit from land. With his voice carrying clearly over the water, Jesus taught the crowd. Peter lisitened with rapt attention, as did those ashore.  He never tired of  hearing Jesus develop the theme of his preaching-the Kingdom of God. What a privilege it would be to help the Christ spread this message of hope throughout the land!  But would that be practical?  How could Peter feed his family? Perhaps  Peter thought again of the long and  fruitless night behind him. - LUKE 5:1, 3. 

When Jesus finished speaking, he told Peter:  "Pull out where it is deep, and you men let down your nets for a catch."  Peter was full of doubt.  He said: "Instructor, for  a whole night, we toiled and took nothing, but at your bidding I will lower the nets." Peter had just washed off the nets.  Surely the last thing he wanted to do was lower them yet again-especially now whwn the fish would not even be feeding!  Still, he complied, likely signaling his partner in a second boat to follow them. - LUKE 5:4, 5. 

Next time: He Fought Against Fear and Doubt - "Stop Being Afraid"-Conlusion 

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