YOU WILL NOT GO EMPTY 3

YOU WILL NOT GO EMPTY 3

Text: John 21:1-6
Memory text:
“Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night, they caught nothing.”
‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

One common mistake I often see among brethren is when people make decisions based on other peoples’ opinions and not on their own convictions. This kind of group reaction can have serious consequences on individuals in the group. I have seen people who rashly and unwittingly resigned from an organization in support of an aggrieved friend or colleague but who later suffered the consequence of unemployment for several years. It is even more serious when you bring group reactions to spiritual matters.
That was what happened in our text. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter lost so much hope that he decided to jettison his noble calling into the gospel ministry to return to his former secular business. He forgot about the admonition of Jesus, which says, “..“No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭62‬). He abandoned the sacred way he had chosen and had followed for about three years. He became unfaithful to his allegiance to His Master at the Dark Time. As he checked out, other disciples also followed along sheepishly! “Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night, they caught nothing.” ‭‭(John‬ ‭21‬:‭3‬).
They foolishly followed Peter and shared in his emptiness.
Turning the church into a pressure group or a political party can bring grave consequences on individuals. Paul wrote to Timothy about how to behave in the church, which is the pillar and ground of truth (1 Tim 3:15). There are principles and guidelines of ideal conduct in the church. Some people react against the church authority, while others even pull out in reaction to the discipline meted out on someone who is close to them. Never allow the offense of another person or negative group reactions to bring you to emptiness this year. Be discrete and don’t act or follow people impulsively. When you leave your location to a place where God has not sent you, you attract frustration and emptiness. When you move out of your spiritual cover for foolish sentiments, you become exposed and vulnerable. It’s risky to despise the prophetic mantle for your battles out of sentiment (Hos 12:13).
Friends, may you not take a decision that will bring you into desolation and emptiness this year, in Jesus’ name.

Prayer points
1. I refuse to exalt folly by acting harshly and out of sentiment, in Jesus’ name.
2. Let every strategy of the enemy to drag me into desolation and emptiness this year be frustrated, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I act based on my personal conviction and not with sentiments or others influence.
2. I will not allow offense, sentiments, or anything to take me out of spiritual cover or cause me to lose the mantle for my battles.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng