Broken Things

Luke 5:1–11 tells the story of Jesus teaching by the Sea of Galilee and performing a miracle that forever changed Peter’s life. Peter and his friends had been fishing all night with no success. Tired, discouraged, and ready to go home, they were cleaning their nets when Jesus told them to go out once more and cast their nets again.

Even though Peter was skeptical, he obeyed — and suddenly their nets were so full of fish they began to break.

A Broken Net

Sometimes, like Peter, we feel worn out and defeated. We’ve tried everything we know how to do, yet nothing seems to work. But when Jesus steps in, everything changes. His blessings often come when we least expect them, and they are sometimes greater than we can handle. Obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense, opens the door for God to do the miraculous.

A Broken Man

After the miracle, Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). In that moment, Peter saw his own weakness and unworthiness in the light of Jesus’ power and holiness. We, too, come face to face with our brokenness when we encounter Jesus. Yet He does not push us away — He patiently teaches, restores, and calls us closer to Himself.

A Broken Partnership

Peter and his partners could have turned the miracle into a successful fishing business, but instead they left everything to follow Jesus. He gave them a new calling: “From now on you will be catching people.” (Luke 5:10). Their old nets were set aside for a new mission — to share the good news of salvation and bring people into God’s kingdom.

Surrendering Our Plans

Like Peter, we may have our own vision for life — our own nets we cling to. But Jesus calls us to trust Him, even if it means leaving behind our plans. He can take broken nets, broken people, and broken dreams and turn them into something far greater than we ever imagined.

Lord, I surrender my life into Your hands. Take my brokenness and use it for Your glory. Teach me to trust You, to obey even when I don’t understand, and to follow You wherever You lead. Amen.