Thought for the Week

‘If you do the same things, you get the same things.’

A change of action or perspective can bring a different outcome.

There are two occasions in the Bible when Jesus told experienced fishermen to try something different to get a catch of fish.

These poor fishermen had been fishing all night but had nothing to show for their dedication and hard work. That is a tough place to be in.

The first occasion, He told them to go out again into deeper water (Luke 5:5), on the second occasion, (John 21:6) it was to cast the net on the right side of the boat. In both accounts, these fishermen caught so many fish the nets were at breaking point.

Oh, that it could always be as straightforward as that!

Right now, fishermen and their families are facing such a difficult time and feeling that their voices are not being heard. These Bible stories remind us that their need and cry is heard by Jesus, the one who chose fishermen as His companions whilst on earth.

We too must not forget them and this important industry in our west coast communities. I hope you will join me in praying for them, not only for their daily safety but also for provision and wisdom.

In these stories, there is a lesson for us all to think about. What obstacle do you face this week that could be overcome by changing our actions or by thinking differently? We resist change particularly when something has worked for us in the past, but sometimes we need a different approach.

Sometimes, like the disciples, we too can find that calling on Jesus gets us through. Reverend Chris Holden, The Fishermen’s

Mission.