John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. Sometimes we go back to what we did before we met Jesus. Maybe it’s because we don’t know what to do perhaps that’s where Peter was. He didn’t know what to do, so he went back to the thing that he knew – fishing. James and John also had been fishermen, so it made sense for them to join Simon. Have you ever felt the tug to go back to your old lifestyle? Let’s not think what Simon did was sinful nor faithless. He probably loved fishing and perhaps needed to catch some fish to provide for his family. For whatever reason, God orchestrated a repeat of the events when Simon first met the Lord. Jesus wasn’t finished using Simon Peter, and it would not do for him to go back to his old purpose for living. Once we embrace that God’s purpose for us is to live to love with Jesus, the Lord will not let us go back to the natural life. He has chosen us for Himself as channels of His love for the rest of our lives. If we do turn back, we will find our nets empty. Do you feel like going fishing today—returning to an empty life? Be encouraged that the emptiness you experience there means God has something way better for you. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com