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Counting Your Blessings

John 21:8-11
The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred metres. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. (NIVUK)

The disciples had fished all night in Lake Galilee and caught nothing (John 21:1-3).  At dawn Jesus shouted to them from the shore, telling them where to find the fish.  The haul was so large that they could not get the fish on board (John 21:6), and the net had to be towed to shore.  That miracle convinced John to identify the man as Jesus, and Peter swam to shore to greet Him first (John 21:7).  When he arrived, he found a barbeque burning with fish and bread already cooking.

A friend of mine took a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee some time ago. He said, “During the trip, the boat stopped, the captain stripped to his shorts and dived overboard! He surfaced holding a large fish which he manhandled on board. We had no idea they could grow that big. I had previously wondered why 153 large fish could cause the fishermen such a problem. Then I knew! A net with that many of such large fish would truly be a miracle. No wonder Peter counted them and remembered the exact number!”
 
The disciples had not gone to fish with Jesus’ approval, but He did not abandon them. They did not ask for help, but He told them where to find the fish. They had small expectations, but Jesus did far more than ever they expected. Ephesians 3:20 confirms this: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”  When that happens we need to record what God has done and give Him thanks. Psalm 136 is an example of that – listing many things the Lord had done for His people – and every verse ends: “His love endures for ever!”
 

It is good to count our blessings; not in order to boast of what we have got, but so that we can properly give God the glory.  The soul who presumes on the blessing of God values neither the gifts nor the Giver.  But the humble soul knows that when goodness comes to his door, it is all of God’s grace.  That person will treasure His gifts, rejoice and give thanks.  Then it is so easy to forget!  So why not find a way of recording what the Lord has done for you – it will be a great encouragement to you and to others in the future.

Prayer 
Loving God. Thank You that although I deserve nothing good, yet You lavish Your love on me and give so abundantly that it is sometimes difficult to contain. I am sorry when I have taken Your kindness for granted and have failed to thank You. Please help me to count my blessings each day and to remember what You have done for me. Help me also to encourage others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams