God sets a condition before receiving the miracle we are praying for. The right order is receiving the Word – obeying the condition to receive – receiving a miracle.
Have you noticed that in the Bible, there is often a condition of obedience to meet before receiving the miracle?
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
We want a miracle without a condition. But that is not often God’s way. We often prevent the accomplishment of a miracle by our reasoning or previous experience!
Put out into deep water (But we are safer close to the shore…I don’t want to take any (more) risks)
Let down the nets for a catch (we have already worked all night without taking anything…not now…we are tired and not sure to succeed).
No miracle without a condition
Though Jesus didn‘t tell Peter he was about to do a miracle for him, he obeyed! And what God had planned was the kind of miracle that has never been done before. Do you know of a case in the Bible where there was a miraculous catch of fish? It is true that God rarely does the same miracle two times in a row. (Although He did in the case of Peter).
- So Peter couldn’t imagine that meeting the condition of obedience was going to produce such a catch of fish that the two boats almost sunk!
- He couldn’t imagine either that Jesus was going to call him to follow him and become to be a fisher of men.
- And with one miracle his company was freed from all its debts
- We would be still talking about this incident 2000 years later!
But Peter knew Jesus. And the only thing he needed was to pay attention to the “condition” without canceling what Jesus had just said by his professional know-how or reasoning. We often want to know what will happen next before acting. But that is not God’s way.
First faith, then concentrate on obedience
First the faith (trusting Him), then obedience to the condition set by his Word. That is what sets off miracles.
But because you say so, I will let down the nets. No theory here. Either we have the faith to put into practice or just a vague belief that it is possible for others but not for us.
Would you like to know the secret to success in business or our activities? Every morning spend some time with the Master who sees all and knows all. He will tell you where to throw your nets.
Have you decided to walk according to your plan or His plan? What has He told you to do?
Just in case Peter didn’t quite understand, there was a second miraculous catch of fish later on.
The condition was different this time
« Throw your net on the right side of the boat » (why the right and not the left. What difference does it make?) But that is not the right question. Stop being a “control maniac” with God! There was no guarantee of a miracle, but their obedience was required.
Jean 21:6 Jesus 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.
But they did take the time to count the number of fish this time.
So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of 153 large fish. (John 21.11)
But a second miracle took place. Their net was a business tool and was able to handle the catch without being damaged. Don’t worry, you (or your business) will be able to handle the blessing…
« But even with so many, the net was not torn.» (John 21.11)
Do you need a miracle today? Pay attention to the condition that needs to be put into practice.
You now know the way!
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(Read John 21.6-11)
(Day 7) Astonished by God in your life?
(Day 9) Is walking by faith taking a risk?
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