He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:5-6

It must have been unusual for fishermen to go out all night and come up empty. I’m certain they were exhausted and frustrated, and this stranger asks them “had any luck?” Then he had the audacity to tell them how to fish! At that point, I”m certain lights went on in their heads. Luke 5 shows us another time he did the exact same thing.

“Throw your nets on the other side of the boat.” And they did.

If we pay attention, those kinds of things happen all around us. We may be sad or frustrated or angry or perplexed, and something comes along to refresh our memory of how we were delivered from a similar experience. Often because of our mood, we fail to see Jesus in the moment.

Lord Jesus, may we have a keen awareness of your presence when we’re happy and when we’re not. Help us to recognize you in a sea of strangers and strange events. And above all, help us to remain in you during those times.