Peter was a brawny, self-employed seaman who spoke his mind too often. Working with his family under the oppressive Roman government had shaped his attitude toward authority.

Nothing in Simon Peter’s rough-cut demeanor would have inspired a refined, educated Jew or Roman. None of Peter’s friends imagined that Peter could spearhead a world-shaking movement—yet, God chose this uncultured fisherman to energize the fledgling, first-century church.

What did Jesus see in reckless Peter? The big fisherman had lopped off a man’s ear with his short sword (likely aiming for his throat). At a bonfire in the courtyard of the high priest Peter had cravenly denied that he knew Jesus. Of all people, why did God pick Peter to help unlock heaven to all races? [Acts 10]

Because—even when Peter appeared to bungle God’s plans, he always responded to Jesus’s invitation to cast his net one more time. To the Hebrew fishermen, the net represented a family’s daily provision. A full net provided the crew with a livelihood. A net brimming with fish gave fishermen hope.

Peter kept “fishing,” and the Son of God never failed to fill his net.  

Disappointments and shame hinder us from casting our net sometimes—but remember Peter! Even after his mistakes he cast one more time, and God filled his net with purpose.

Hear the words of the flawed fisherman, who walked with God in Sandals:

 “Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [I Peter 5:6-7 NLT]