John 21:3 - Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.
Have you ever felt like everything and everyone has turned against you? You feel like everything you have been working towards has fallen apart. We find Peter in this exact situation in John 21. The ministry he had invested in for the last couple of years appears to be gone. His friend, and mentor, has been put to death. Peter finally comes to a place where he “gives up,” or for lack of a better term, quits.
Peter decided that he should go fishing instead of continuing the work Jesus called him and the other disciples to. What could have brought Peter, a personal friend and follower of our Lord, to this point in his life? Many factors contribute to us “quitting.” Peter felt many of the same challenges we face today: discouragement, feelings of unworthiness, guilt, unfulfilled expectations, hurts from other people, etc.
Like Peter, sometimes a refocus and an encouraging word from others is all we need. Jesus challenges Peter to teach and care for those around him (v. 15-17). When the dark winds of quitting surround you, remember Jesus’ words to Peter. We must strive to get the focus off of ourselves and onto those around us. What is it today that Jesus is calling you to not give up on? Give that to Him and allow Him to regather your focus.
Don’t quit! Keep doing what God has called you to do!