When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh Lord, please leave me – I’m such a sinful man.”  — Luke 5:8

Peter and his crew had fished all night and caught nothing.  After preaching a sermon from Peter’s boat, Jesus asked him to put the nets out one more time.  Peter didn’t want to but did only because Jesus asked him to do so.  They caught so many fish their nets began to break.  Peter had to summon another boat to help bring in the haul.  It was at this very moment that Peter says the words that I have chosen for the main verse . . . Luke 5:8.

Peter knew at this moment Jesus was the Messiah.  He knew that things like this didn’t just happen.  He knew that Jesus must have been the one who created the sea and commanded the fish.  He knew that he was witnessing God in the flesh.  Other people saw the same miracle, but it didn’t do for them what it dd for Peter.  At this moment, nobody could take Peter’s faith away from him.

I remember when I started to take God’s Word seriously.  My friend had given me a Bible with my name printed on the cover.  I started making little marks next to each book that I read in the table of contents.  At first, I was marking off Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus.  But those were 50 chapters, 40 chapters, and 27 chapters respectively.  They took a while for me to read.  I found myself skipping around and reading Jude along with other smaller books to feel like I was making better progress.

I had probably marked off half of the books when I lost my Bible.  I looked everywhere.  After a few days, I just bought me another Bible.  I didn’t enjoy reading the new Bible.  I hit my knees next to my bed: “Lord, I’m sorry I didn’t take care of my first Bible.  Would You please find a way to get it back to me?” Mid prayer, the phone rang.  It was my grandma, “Adam, I found a Bible while I was walking.  It was on the side of the road, and it has your name on it.”  I hung up the phone and ran as fast as I could to her house.  Within 60 seconds of saying that prayer, I had my Bible back.  I walked ever so slowly back to my house praising and thanking God.  At this moment, nobody could take my faith away from me.  People could call it a coincidence all they want, but God had come through for me in a personal and tangible way.

I want to know some of your stories.  What has God done for you that has solidified your faith?

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Lord, I see the next generation coming up and they haven’t been raised in church.  They weren’t raised by praying mama’s and praying grandmas.  They don’t know the stories of the Bible.  I’m asking You to find a way to make Yourself real to them.  Do for them things like You did for Peter and for me.  Personalize their experience so they will believe in You, and nothing will ever be able to shake them.  Help me do my part to live out my Christianity for all to see.  Help me to shine this little light of mine.  Help me to lead others to a personal and saving relationship with You.  Amen.