Author Darlene J. Conard

Rain starts soon, displayed on the taskbar of my computer screen. For several days I waited for the eighty percent expected rain. I may have typed the wrong location. Nope! Following this wonder, “When is the rain coming,” reminds me of a fishing story.

The night was dark and still as the disciples set out on the calm waters of the sea, their small boat gently bobbing with the waves. They had expected a bountiful night of fishing, driven by hopes of a generous catch. However, as the hours dragged on, their expectations faded into disappointment.

Despite their efforts, they found themselves reeling in empty nets time and again. Their frustration began to mount with each failed attempt, echoing in the silence of the night. The darkness around them seemed to amplify their sense of defeat, as the realization sank in: they had caught nothing—absolutely nothing.

You can imagine the depth of their frustration, wrestling with the weight of their unmet hopes and the long, restless night that lay ahead. Jesus stepped on the boat to teach the multitude from there as they cleaned their nets. “Launch into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:1-9) God did the most miraculous thing at their weakest point.

Isn’t that just like God? It often feels as if He waits until we are completely worn out before stepping in to help. It may seem frustrating, but the truth is that He is always at work, even when we can’t see it. His presence is constant, and He operates behind the scenes, orchestrating events and guiding us in ways we may not immediately recognize. While we may feel alone in our struggles, we must remember that God is actively moving in our lives, even in our most challenging moments. “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”  Psalm 121:4 KJV

Feeling weary and disheartened can be a daunting battle at times. I truly understand how overwhelming that can be, as I have experienced those heavy moments myself!

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV

The work of God is not influenced by our emotions or momentary feelings; that is simply not how He functions. When He promises that a blessing is on its way, we can be assured that it is indeed on its way. I can promise you this: as we persist in our service to Him, we can look forward to answers that surpass our wildest imaginations and understanding. Trust in His timing and ways, for they are often mysterious yet profoundly transformative.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV

Peter looked at Jesus, his voice tinged with exhaustion as he replied, “Master, we’ve toiled persistently throughout the night, casting our nets over and over again, but we’ve caught nothing.” The weariness settled deep in his bones, fatigue clouding his mind, yet despite his tiredness, he felt compelled to obey. With a resigned sigh, he added, “But I will let down the net.”

In those intense moments when life presents its challenges, Peter’s response is the kind of attitude I aspire to represent. “God, I am so tired; my thoughts are scattered, and I am trapped in a whirlpool of emotions. Nevertheless, at Your command, I will pray regardless of how I feel. You cannot lie, and I trust that even if hope seems distant and concealed from my sight, You have promised that You are orchestrating everything for good.”

By summoning the last remainders of his strength, Peter opened the floodgates of divine blessing. What had once been an empty net, a stark reminder of his frustration and disappointment, suddenly transformed. As he pulled in the net, it overflowed with an astonishing catch of fish, so abundant that the sheer weight threatened to sink the boat. The overflow was so great that his fellow fishermen, witnessing the miracle, rushed over to assist him, marveling at the plenteousness that had seemed impossible just moments before. The scene was one of awe and astonishment, a powerful reminder of faith rewarded when one chooses to step forward even in weariness.

When God responds to our prayers and questions, His answers will surpass anything we could possibly envision. We may have hopes and expectations, but His plans are often more profound, beautiful, and transformative than we could ever comprehend.… “prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 KJV

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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