Can’t go back to the beginning
Can’t control what tomorrow will bring
But I know here in the middle
Is the place where You promise to be

I’m not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
‘Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again

(Here Again, by Elevation Worship)

There have been times in my life, (and I’m sure in yours), when we stand between what was, is, and what will be.  I find myself there now—again.  This isn’t necessarily a bad place to be but it can be challenging—especially to those of us who are not gifted at waiting.  We feel we must be doing something to replace the momentary feelings of not being enough or doing enough. 

We might jump into projects on our own while we are stuck in the middle.  Going back to the beginning and doing what we did before seems good and comes naturally to us but it doesn’t satisfy the longing of wanting to know what lies ahead.  In these times, we can walk away from our Lord—or run to Him when we realize He was there all the time, preparing the way and us, for our next steps on this brief journey on earth. 

When we run to Him, “He serves breakfast on the beach” to us knowing exactly what we need most—Him.

As I walk now through the valley
Let Your love rise above every fear
Like the sun shaping the shadow
In my weakness Your glory appears

I’m not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
‘Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again
I’m not enough unless You come
Will You meet me here again
‘Cause all I want is all You are
Will You meet me here again

John 21, The Message

Fishing

^1-3 After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, “I’m going fishing.”

^3-4 The rest of them replied, “We’re going with you.” They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him.

⁵ Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?”

They answered, “No.”

⁶ He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.”

They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.

^7-9 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Master!”

When Simon Peter realized that it was the Master, he threw on some clothes, for he was stripped for work, and dove into the sea. The other disciples came in by boat for they weren’t far from land, a hundred yards or so, pulling along the net full of fish. When they got out of the boat, they saw a fire laid, with fish and bread cooking on it.

^10-11 Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Simon Peter joined them and pulled the net to shore—153 big fish! And even with all those fish, the net didn’t rip.

¹² Jesus said, “Breakfast is ready.” Not one of the disciples dared ask, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Master.

^13-14 Jesus then took the bread and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus had shown himself alive to the disciples since being raised from the dead.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus disciples are truly stuck in the middle before crucifixion and resurrection to what Jesus has next for them to be and do.  It is not surprising that impetuous, shoot from the hip, Peter is antsy and anxious in the wait.  Most of us relate to Peter, right?!  We can truly see the followers of Jesus hunkered down in a room when suddenly, Peter jumps up and announces, “I’m going fishing”!  Peter is a fisherman by trade.  It’s what he knows best. 

We do the same when we feel stuck and tired in the wait.  We do what we have done before because doing it gives us comfort and confidence in doing it—until it doesn’t.  Some of the disciples mentioned were also fishermen, but some were not by trade.  But all have the same anxiousness in the wait.  They also feel stuck in the middle, waiting, and feel they must do something—so they follow Peter to the sea.

What happened is all too familiar as we recall the time Jesus first called his disciples who were fishermen to follow Him.  At this time, again, the professionals fished all night as this is the best time to catch fish in the sea, but they caught nothing.  But at least, they were doing something to expend their energies.  But a lesson in not going back will soon be taught by the Master.

They are coming closer to shore when they notice Someone building a fire on the beach.  This Someone asks if they caught anything.  Can you imagine with me, Jesus smiling as He asks while already knowing the answer? Jesus also knows what He will do next to reveal, yet again, the glory of who He is to them and for them.

How personal the Master is to his beloved followers!   “Throw your nets on the right side—and see what happens.”  At this point, Jesus must be chuckling to himself as they do what He says and immediately work hard to bring in 153 big fish! Perhaps this miracle will provide funds for the ministry that lies ahead?  Maybe, but just his act alone shows the personal, intimate loving relationship between God and man because of Jesus, our Savior and now the Lord of their lives.  They did what He said.

As soon as the fish are hauled in, they realize who provided this miracle—again!  John says to Peter, “It’s the Master!”  In the excitement of knowing who did this and now recognizing Jesus, Peter wastes no time in swimming and then running to Him.  Now Jesus must be lovingly laughing out loud watching them!  Peter returns after a huge bear hug, we imagine, to go back to the boat to help bring in the haul. 

Not for a minute
Was I forsaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place
Come Holy Spirit
Dry bones awaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place

Not only does Jesus provide fish for the future, he hosts breakfast on the beach for his beloved who have been stuck in the middle!  This awesome appearance of our Lord reminds me of what Jesus said about his “yoke” that is lighter than ours and fits more perfectly to accomplish His will in and through us. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” –Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus met them where they were with exactly who they needed most.  He does that for us today when we realize our need is Jesus, God’s Son, who loved us so much He died and rose again for us.

How can we respond while stuck in the middle?

If fishing is not in our nature, there are others things we can be and do in the wait:

• First:  Be still and know that the Lord is God.
• Know that God is always at work on our behalf—even when we don’t see it.
• Be in continual communication with the One who knows us best and knows what lies ahead.
• Let go of anxious thoughts—you can’t trust those thoughts and feelings. 
• Instead, trust God and ask Him for wisdom, insight and understanding which is part of God’s prep work in us for the next steps we will take!
• What to do something while waiting?  Do what will benefits others! 
• Set aside even more time to pray for the lost, others spiritually stuck, and to be led far away from evil’s temptations hovering over us telling us to give up.  Why, because these “middle” times can make us weak. Paul learned from God; “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Lay aside self and seek to serve “breakfasts” of encouragement to others.  Pray with someone as soon as they ask.  Babysit for a mom stressed and needs a break.  Look in someone eyes and tell them you see Jesus in them when they serve others.  Pray for church leaders who are daily on the “front lines” helping others find and follow Jesus.  Take a meal when needed most.  Share what we have with others in need without them knowing. 

The list is endless when we ask God what He wants us to be then do. 

“Cast your net” on the right side of God’s will!  “And See what happens!”

I have discovered that most of God’s best work in and through me is accomplished even as I feel stuck in the middle! God calls, prepares, equips, then sends.

Lord,

Thank you for teaching us how to be when we feel stuck between what is and what’s next.  Thank you for serving us a “breakfast” of encouragement this morning—it’s so like you to be personal with us!  Help us to know your will as we give ourselves to you once again as an offering to you.  Lead us, Lord.

In Jesus Name, Amen