The Grace GiverSample

Day Two: Where Is Your Identity Found?

Simon stood on the shore cleaning his fishing nets as his brother, Andrew came running with the news, “I have found him! The Messiah is among us!” Meeting him face-to-face, the Lord looked intently at Simon and declared that he should be called “Peter.” Can you imagine how he felt at that moment? It was his first interaction with the Messiah and already he had been given a nickname—Peter, meaning “the rock.” He could hardly begin to understand how this name would eventually define him. But we’re left to wonder, what did he do after this divine meeting? 

The next time they saw each other, Simon Peter had just finished a night of fishing on the sea and was returning empty-handed to the shore. He rinsed the nets in the water, perhaps trying to wash away the stench of failure. Jesus approached and asked to sit on the boat, so he could teach the crowd of people gathered on the shore.

When He finished teaching, Jesus told Peter to go into the deep water and put your net down for a catch. Peter seemed uncertain but told Jesus he would try anyway. In an amazing display of God’s provision, Jesus caused Peter’s net to overflow with fish. It was so many that he had to call on his friends for help! Not only did Jesus meet Peter’s needs, but He also did exceedingly and abundantly more than he could think or imagine. Seeing his power, Peter fell to his feet in reverence.

Andrew and Peter answered the call that day to follow Jesus and become fishers of men. But would Peter still hold on to slivers of his old identity? He had already returned to the sea once after meeting the Messiah. And don’t we all prefer to be in positions where we feel secure, comfortable, and without necessity of God? 

It is often in the places where we are most sure of ourselves that God shows up to demonstrate how His power is greater. And it is in our places of weakness and need that He shows how nothing is too hard for Him. 

Reflection: What are the places of security and comfort within your own identity? Could it be money, a relationship, a social status, or reputation? 

Prayer: “Lord, help me to be secure in who You say I am and not believe the lies of who the world says I am. Amen.”