The Other Side of the Boat
“He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” – John 21:5-6
Do you have any recurring problems in your life? Since this is a personal finance blog, let’s focus the question on money. Are there some financial issues you’ve been trying to resolve, or money-related goals you’ve been trying to accomplish, only to run into the same roadblocks around every turn?
Despite your best efforts, are you weighed down with the burden of debt that refuses to disappear? Do you keep having the same financial arguments with your spouse? Does the “empty” light keep flashing on your savings tank?
A Fishing Tale
A long time ago, a couple of experienced fishermen named Simon Peter and Thomas set out for a night of fishing. Since they were professionals, we can assume they used all the right equipment and all the right techniques. They did what they knew to do. And they came up empty. They tried again and again for an entire night, but when the morning sun came up they had caught nothing.
Then they made a brilliant decision. They took in some coaching from the greatest Coach who ever lived, and they followed His advice. They cast their nets on the other side of the boat. And they caught more fish than they ever imagined.
If you’re facing a recurring financial issue, maybe it’s time you tried the same approach.
First, take it to God. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
Second, do what you sense Him telling you to do. All too often, I have tried to resolve problems on my own, with my own “wisdom.” But as a truly wise person once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
What About You?
I meet lots of people with recurring debt problems. Some have worked their way out of debt only to get right back in. If that’s you, begin casting your net in a different direction by considering the question: how serious are you?
Proverbs 3:27-28 states: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow—when you now have it with you” (emphasis mine).
Are you serious enough about getting out of debt to really think about what “is in your power to act?” Are you serious enough that you would drop your home Internet connection to free up money for debt repayment? Are you serious enough to go from a two-car family to a one-car family? Are you serious enough to stop using credit cards? Maybe it’s time to do something different. Maybe it’s time to cast your net in a new direction.