"When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break." -- Luke 5:4-6

Have you ever fished?  If so, have you ever fished for hours without catching anything?  Most likely, when you fish, you do so for sport.  You might eat the fish you catch, but if you're reading this, you probably aren't depending on your catch for your livelihood and your survival.  I imagine those of you in sales understand the frustration, though.  It's easy to get discouraged after going so long without landing one.  Simon Peter and his companions had been fishing all night.  They were tired.  They were wrapping things up and ready to go home for some much needed rest.  But Jesus says, "one more time... throw them from the other side of the boat this time..."  Had it been anyone else, Simon would have probably said, "do it yourself!"  But because it was Jesus, he complied.  Shocked, they caught more fish than they could imagine.  Next time you get discouraged because you're having trouble meeting your goal, ask yourself these questions:  1)  Is what I'm trying to do aligned with God's will?  2) If Christ were here physically, would he encourage me to keep trying?

If you can answer yes to both, keep going.  Don't give up.  It might be a dry spell now, but if this is what God desires for your life, believe it will come to pass.  You don't want to miss the big catch.  You see, the old cliche' you have to believe to achieve is yet relevant.

Readings:  Numbers 32:1-33:39; Luke 4:31-5:11; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 11:22