Are you casting your net wide?

Earlier in this series, we went over the verse from 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) What an incredible invitation God has given us to cast all of our anxiety at the feet of Jesus!

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Mexico, and one morning, I woke up early and went for a walk on the beach. I met a fisherman who was using a throw cast net to catch fish. I watched with amazement at the precise timing that he used to run into the surf and cast the net as wide and as far as he possibly could. It seemed like every single time he threw out, he brought something amazing back.

When I had the chance to talk to him, I asked him what principles he was using to be so successful in catching fish. He replied, “Cast a wide net; it always increases the chance of catching something good!”

I was thinking about my fisherman friend this morning as I awoke faced with my own anxieties. I took his principle, and I cast my net into the Holy Word of God to find some hope and promise for today, and this is what I caught:

John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27, NIV)

Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)

My friend, I threw the net wide, and what came back to me was something that can sustain my soul, defeat my anxiety, and place my eyes in the direction of Jesus!

My prayer for you today is that you will NOT throw your net out into the world of anxious thoughts, but instead, into the Word of God that can bring you both peace and hope.

Never forget, my friend. You are a miracle. Your friend,

You are a miracle!