Introduction

All of us face problems in this lifetime. Most of them are issues we can control. But sometimes we face ones that are beyond our control. Two thousand years ago a fisherman called Peter had such a problem too. One night Peter and his friends tried every tool and trick of the trade – but didn’t catch a single fish. The next morning he met Jesus who seemed to control even mother nature. Peter followed his instructions and caught a great load of fish in the broad daylight.

It’s not only Peter’s situation that changed. Peter’s life was transformed. That was 2000 years ago. Do you know that same Jesus is here to do the same with you and your problem this evening? Let’s find out.

1. Problems are a part of God’s plan

I. The setting: The fishermen were washing their nets because they had gathered a lot of dirt and filth instead of fish (Luke 5:1-2).

II. At this time Jesus intentionally got into Peter’s boat, (Luke 5:3) and taught the crowd for a while. There was one more boat – Why did he choose the one that belonged to Peter?

III. He had a plan for Peter and his friends. He had chosen them though they didn’t know. God has a plan for you too. He knows you though you don’t know him. He utilizes your crisis to manifest himself. Do you believe it? Would you give him a chance?

2. All things are possible with God

I. After a while Jesus said, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Peter replied – “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word, I will lower the nets.” (Luke 5:4-5)

II. Peter was right. The night is the best time for catching fish. Besides, who knows best about fishing. Jesus the carpenter or Peter the fisherman?

III. They had labored hard. They were fatigued. They were worn out. Have you labored hard for nothing this evening? Are you fatigued? Are you worn out? Are you ready to do what God tells you – no matter what it takes?

3. Is God your last resort?

I. “But at your word, I will lower the nets”. For Peter Jesus’ advice was just a last resort.

II. They got such a big catch of fish that their nets were torn and boats almost sank, (Luke 5:6-7). They didn’t have adequate resources to handle it because they had never caught such a big load of fish before.

III. Did you come to God after everything else failed? Do you believe that God is able to help?

4. What was Peter’s reaction?

I. Peter’s reaction was 3 fold. First, he felt guilty. Second, he was amazed. Third, he left everything behind and followed Jesus along with his companions.

II. Why did Peter feel guilty? because the miracle reflected Peter’s own sinful nature, (Luke 5:8)

III. Why was he amazed? because he didn’t believe, (Luke 5:9) Why did he follow Jesus? Because after the miracle Peter believed that Jesus is God, (Luke 5:10-11).

Application

A. Tonight you will experience the first miracle in your life. You will have a personal encounter with God. You will become a follower of Jesus.

B. Repent and confess your sin: Sin is the only barrier between man and God. Peter said, “Lord I’m a sinful man”. Was Peter a criminal? No. Is it a sin to be a fisherman? No. Then what made Peter a sinner? What makes you a sinner?

C. If you are Buddhist, you might say “I have never killed an animal. I have never said a lie” But the Bible says “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 8:23). You don’t have to sin to be a sinner. It’s within you. All of us are sinners and are in need of a savior. The good news is Jesus can set you free.

D. At the beginning of this sermon I said that God has a plan for you. He just used your problem to reveal himself. What he has for you is something more than a miracle. More than a solution. Would you like to follow him just like Peter and his friends and find his broader will for your life?

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