How God Turns Setbacks Into ComebacksSample

Get Jesus in Your Boat

If you want God to bless your work, invite him to be part of your work.

Yesterday we discussed the story of Simon Peter and Andrew from Luke 5. They had gone all night without catching a single fish.

But then Jesus got into their boat and they did what he told them to do—“Let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4 NIV)—and God did the rest. They caught so many fish that their nets began to break, and they needed extra help to bring the load in.

What was different between the period of time when they couldn’t catch anything and the moment when they had too much fish to handle?

It was the same lake, the same boat, the same nets, the same fishermen, and the same fish. The difference between empty nets and abundance was Jesus’ presence in the boat. It was a game-changer. They were no longer fishing by themselves. God was in their boat.

Think of your boat as whatever you do to make a living.

If you want God to bless your work, invite him into your boat.

This isn’t about salvation. I know many people who have Jesus in their lives but not in their jobs. To get Jesus into your boat, dedicate your career to him.

When Simon Peter and Andrew did this, God gave them more fish than they could handle.

How did they go from nothing to abundance? They let Jesus use their boat as a platform for his ministry.

You don’t pray that God will make you a success so you can serve him with your career. You do the opposite. You tell God, “I want to give you my career. You can use whatever I have as a platform for you to work.”

That’s when God does a miracle.

Whatever you want God to bless, give him first place in it. That means you’re no longer a real estate agent, a teacher, a landscaper, or an accountant. You’re a missionary who happens to work as a real estate agent, a teacher, a landscaper, or an accountant. Regardless of what your career is, make the commitment that you’re a missionary first.

The Bible says, “Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17 GNT).

Everything means everything, including your career.

Maybe you’re in a rut right now and you’re brainstorming every option to turn your career around. You’re considering a move, a new job, or an entire career change.

It might even be what you need to do. But do this first: Ask Jesus to take control of your boat. Commit to using your work for God’s glory.

Then watch Jesus do a miracle.

Talk It Over

Why do we tend to think certain careers—especially being a pastor and serving as a missionary—are more spiritual than others?

What would it look like if you dedicated your career to God’s service?

What’s the biggest barrier to committing your career to God’s service?

This devotional © 2019 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.