Do You Choose Comfort over Faith?

Sometimes the nets stay empty because we’re clinging to comfort instead of stepping out in faith.

Imagine you are one of the disciples. You have seen the risen Jesus with your own eyes—at least twice.

Yet in the opening of John 21, we find the disciples going back to what is comfortable—what they know—fishing. Simon Peter says he is going out to fish, and the others join him.

They catch nothing.

Like me, how often do you find yourself falling back on what is comfortable? Why do we, like the disciples in this passage, find it so easy to rest on what is known and familiar?

Leaning in and spending quality time with God—hearing His voice and growing in our relationship with Him—is the most important responsibility we have as Christians. We can trust His faithfulness, sovereignty, mercy, unchanging nature, wisdom, forgiveness, goodness, hope, joy, comfort, and love. His promises are true, and He never fails. Never.

But listening to God’s voice and direction costs us. Jesus said we would have to die to self to follow Him. In return, we receive eternal life, which begins the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

So the disciples fish all night. All night they cast their nets, relying on what they know as experienced fishermen, relying on what is familiar. Yet they still catch nothing.

In the morning, after all their failed attempts, Jesus calls out to them. He begins with a humbling question:

“Children, you have no fish, have you?” (John 21:5, NIV).

Do you ever wonder if Jesus sees what is going on in your life? Brother or sister, let Jesus's question remind you of a simple truth: Jesus sees you. He knows exactly what is going on in your life and mine.

Then, in His boundless love and care, Jesus calls them to obey:

“Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” (John 21:6, NIV).

The disciples respond in faith. Despite fishing all night and catching nothing, they obey His voice.

And they are overwhelmed:

“They cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.” (John 21:6, NIV).

I have walked through many valleys, and I can say in faith, love, and trust in God: when we listen, surrender our lives, and obey our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are blessed. It may not look like what we expected, but His goodness is sure.

Jesus knows us. He created us. He is the Word of Life. He is the Way and the Truth and the Life.

If you are struggling to step out of your comfort zone, may you be encouraged to step out in faith and trust that, despite what you know or think is possible, like the disciples, you should listen and obey His call - His direction!