How would you like to experience a net-breaking, boat-sinking catch in your life, your finances, or your ministry - more than enough for you and for others too? Jesus is looking for people like you and me to get involved with His Kingdom business. This is an incredible account from Luke 5:1-11 of the blessing of partnership.
And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
Jesus had great crowds who came to hear Him teach. Simon was given an opportunity to let Jesus use his boat as a platform from which to teach and amplify His voice across the water. Jesus always blesses anyone who partners with Him. He used Peter’s fishing business to help further Kingdom business. Jesus said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.”
Peter was a fisherman. He had experience and knew how to fish, yet he’d had no success all night. Nevertheless, at JESUS’ Word he let down the nets! Peter had a moment of revelation about the authority and power of Jesus’ command. He heard Jesus say he would catch a draught or a catch. While it didn’t make sense to Peter or his business partners, he did what Jesus commanded and launched out. His act of faith opened the door to the supernatural. Jesus added His power to their natural ability to produce something SUPERNATURAL!
In challenging or uncertain times, we may feel like giving up but Jesus is commanding us to not grow weary or quit just because we are discouraged or not seeing results. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Paul encouraged believers to not quit. 1 Corinthians 15:58 in the Message says, “With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”
Every act of obedience to God is followed by His results and His reward! “And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake, Luke 5:6.” You may not have done it this way before, but do what God says and get ready for some net-breaking results.
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
This is when you need partners with more nets to help. The partners went into action, using their boats and their nets to help catch this boat-sinking, net-breaking catch. Peter and his partners, James and John were so astonished at this incredible experience that they immediately left their fishing business to follow Jesus.
The Spirit of God is saying to the Church that now - the next 3, 6, or 12 months - is the time to be ready! Get ready for a harvest of souls as never before. Mend your nets by training your leaders and taking steps of faith. By acting on the Word, you will allow the Lord to use your businesses and churches as platforms from which to preach. Partnership is necessary to catch the people who will be “caught” or be saved in these last days.
PREACHING THE GOSPEL
We are so thankful for your partnership with us in preaching the Gospel! We are believing our partners will help us “cast our nets” as we distribute the Word of Faith in these areas:
You can be confident that as we partner with Jesus in His Kingdom business, your churches, your business, and your personal accounts will be filled with more than you can contain!
The Philippian church was the only church who financially partnered with Paul. They continued to support his preaching of the Gospel. As they did this, God was mindful and kept records of their partnership. “Not that I seek or am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account],” Philippians 4:17 (AMPC). He said it was “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” Then Paul pronounced this blessing and we declare it over you as we all partner with the Lord: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19.”
In Christ,
Mark and Trina