Doing it differently
Bible Reading: John 21:1-6
Author: Hilary Allen (Somerset, England)
Author: Hilary Allen (Somerset, England)
Friday 1 May 2026 © The Upper Room.
After the crucifixion, when all seemed lost, the disciples returned to their old, familiar ways. They picked up their nets, set sail and went fishing. They worked hard all night, but they didn’t catch anything. They’d had enough; they were bone tired. They had nothing to show – no fish, but more poignantly, nothing after all their sacrifices in following Jesus. It all seemed pointless.
Then Jesus came. He called to them, and told them to do something different. He told those expert fishermen to do what he said. And what a difference it made!
I identify with the disciples. I am weary. I work hard juggling my job and my carer role for my elderly mother. I have nothing to show for endless, mundane tasks. Then, through the words of a Communion service, I understood God’s invitation to do something different.
The writer of Hebrews urges us to come boldly to the throne of God, so that we may receive his mercy and find grace to help us in our hour of need. Time and again since then, I have learnt to admit my inability to manage in my own strength. Time and again in my helplessness I draw near to God and receive his love, his strength and his grace.
We don’t have to shoulder life’s burdens alone. We can come boldly to God and receive from him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am spent and weary. In your all-sufficiency, please meet me in my need. Amen
