Greater Works

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken ... And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
~ Luke 5:8-11 (NKJV)

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."
~ John 14:12 (NKJV)

Simon Peter thought fishing and the power of God he saw in Jesus didn't belong together. (Had he been more religious Peter might have offered to build a big fishing business and finance the ministry.) But Jesus intended to use the power of God to accomplish greater works of fishing than Peter might have ever envisioned.

God puts in each human soul the gifts and passions which may find a degree of satisfaction in worldly pursuits. If religious, we'll try to use our gifts in God's service. If we are acknowledge our worthlessness and walk away from everything but Him, He is poised to empower us in ways we cannot begin to grasp.

I'm embarrassed at some of the ways I've tried to anticipate how the Lord could use me or my talents. Our God is utterly unpredictable and thoroughly capable. We need only walk with Him, and He will lead us to do "greater works" with everything He's put in us.

Almighty Creator, how fearfully and wonderfully You have made us! Loving Father, how much You long to satisfy our souls! Please draw us into greater dependence on You, so that with Jesus now our Advocate, You might use us to do greater works than even Jesus did—to magnify Your name, not ours.

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