In John 21 we find the apostle Peter floundering in his faith. No pun intended but he did return to the fishing trade he once gave up to follow Jesus. To set the stage, Jesus had died, been resurrected, but confusion and uncertainty ruled the once confident followers of the Messiah. Peter had been told that Jesus would meet them in Galilee after His resurrection, but while he was there had decided to leave the ministry and return to the boats and the nets:
“Simon Peter says to them, I am going off, breaking my former connections, to my former fishing business. They say to him, As for us, we are coming also to join you. They went out and went on board the boat, and during that night they caught not even one thing" (Wuest Trans.).
Not only had Peter returned to his former occupation but he influenced several other experienced former fishermen/apostles to do so also -but caught nothing after toiling all night.
Testing times come. Few dedicated believers having walked with Jesus have avoided this experience. Peter left his calling for what he once knew, the fishing trade, what he thought he could easily succeed in once again. It didn't work out very well for any of them that night. Many have gone back to what they once left, 'gone fishing' like Simon Peter did. Things fell apart, confusion reigned, finances dried up, promises remain unfulfilled, dreams died on the vine, so they left what Jesus asked them to do.
But then a new day dawns:
"But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus" (John 21:4).
I like that phrase, 'but when the morning had now come'. It speaks of the darkness being over. It speaks of new opportunities, new possibilities, another chance. Also we read, 'Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.' There He was, as powerful and victorious as ever -having conquered death, hell and the grave, yet they did not know it was Him. Many are standing in this very place -between having gone back from the purpose of the Lord and finding Him again as all they ever needed. But find Him again they will. He will track you down.
Trust me. Its no time to sell the farm, divorce your purpose, leave what He gave you to do, doubt His promise, and give up on the release of heaven's bounty. We have entered a season where things that have been bound tightly, things that have been held up, are being released! This is a new day and although scarcely recognized, Jesus is among us ready to act.