Embracing God's Call Beyond Familiar Comforts

Devotional

Day 1: Returning to Plan B vs. Trusting God's Plan

When life becomes uncertain or difficult, it is tempting to return to old habits or familiar comforts—our “Plan B”—even when God has called us to something new. Like Peter and the disciples, we may find ourselves going back to what we know, but true fulfillment and peace come from trusting and following the path God has set before us, even when it feels risky or unfamiliar. God’s deliverance is not meant to be temporary; He calls us to walk forward in faith, not backward into what He has already redeemed us from. [27:00]

John 21:2-3 (ESV)
Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to return to old habits or comforts instead of trusting God’s direction? What would it look like to step forward in faith today?

Day 2: The Difference Between Good Things and God Things

Not every good opportunity is a God opportunity. The disciples’ return to fishing seemed reasonable, but it was not what God had called them to do in that moment. When we pursue paths that God has not instructed, we may find ourselves struggling and fruitless, but when we walk in obedience to His plan, He provides for our needs and brings peace to our efforts. [32:45]

John 21:4-6 (ESV)
Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

Reflection: What is one “good thing” you are pursuing that may not be a “God thing” for you right now? How can you seek God’s guidance before moving forward?

Day 3: Jesus Meets Us in Our Struggles and Provides

Even when we feel lost, confused, or far from God, Jesus meets us where we are. He prepares what we need before we even realize it, inviting us to receive His provision and peace. No matter how far we feel we have drifted, God sees us, calls us “friend,” and welcomes us back into His presence and purpose. [38:00]

John 21:9-12 (ESV)
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

Reflection: Where do you need to trust that Jesus has already gone ahead of you and prepared what you need? How can you open your heart to receive His provision today?

Day 4: The Call to Feed and Tend God’s Sheep

Jesus’ call to Peter—“Feed my sheep”—is a call to all believers to care for, encourage, and nurture one another. Loving Jesus is inseparable from loving and serving His people; ministry is not just for pastors or leaders, but for every follower of Christ. When we care for others, we participate in God’s mission and reflect His love to a hungry world. [46:02]

John 21:15-17 (ESV)
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can encourage, care for, or “feed” this week—spiritually, emotionally, or practically? What step can you take today to show them Christ’s love?

Day 5: Building Community Through Mutual Care

Caring for one another is the foundation of a vibrant, Christ-centered community. When we look out for each other, encourage one another, and meet each other’s needs, we become a church on fire—reflecting God’s love to the world. This mutual care is not just a duty, but a joyful calling that strengthens us all and brings the peace of Christ into our midst. [54:00]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can build up your church community this week—through a call, a note, a prayer, or an act of service? How will you make space to care for someone else today?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the journey of the disciples after the resurrection, especially Peter’s return to fishing—a “Plan B” when the way forward seemed uncertain. Life often brings us to similar crossroads, where our plans are disrupted and we’re tempted to return to what’s familiar, even if God has already called us out of it. Peter and the disciples, caught between the trauma of Good Friday and the triumph of Easter, found themselves struggling in their old profession, only to discover that without God’s direction, even the familiar can become fruitless.

Yet, in their confusion and struggle, Jesus met them on the shore, not with condemnation but with provision and invitation. He had already prepared a meal for them, showing that God goes ahead of us, providing what we need even when we don’t recognize His presence. The encounter was not just about fish or food, but about restoring purpose. Jesus called Peter—and all of us—not to settle for backup plans, but to return to the original calling: to “feed and tend” His sheep.

This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is the responsibility of every believer. True ministry flows from love for Christ, and that love is made visible in how we care for one another. People are hungry—physically, spiritually, emotionally—and God’s peace is found not in self-preservation, but in self-giving. When we step into God’s plan, caring for others, God takes care of us. The challenge is to resist the urge to retreat to comfort zones and instead embrace the mission of love and service, trusting that God’s provision will meet us there.

As we move forward, let us be a community that feeds, tends, and cares—not just within these walls, but in our homes, neighborhoods, and beyond. Let us remember that the peace of Christ is not a passive gift, but an active calling to be instruments of His love in a hungry world.

Key Takeaways

1. Returning to Old Patterns Can Hinder God’s Work When faced with uncertainty, it’s tempting to revert to what’s familiar, as Peter did by returning to fishing. However, what once brought comfort can become empty when God is calling us forward. Fruitfulness comes not from our own plans, but from obedience to God’s direction, even when it leads us into the unknown. [32:45]
2. God’s Provision Precedes Our Recognition Jesus prepared a meal for the disciples before they even realized He was present. God often goes ahead of us, making provision in ways we may not immediately see. Our struggles can blind us to His presence, but He remains faithful, inviting us to receive what He has already prepared. [36:00]
3. The Call to Feed and Tend Is for Everyone Jesus’ command to “feed my sheep” is not limited to pastors or leaders, but is the calling of every believer. Ministry is not a spectator sport; each of us is entrusted with the care of others, both inside and outside the church. Our love for Christ is demonstrated in our willingness to serve and nurture those around us. [46:02]
4. True Ministry Flows from Love for Christ Effective service to others must be rooted in genuine love for Jesus. When our actions are motivated by love for Him, they become life-giving and transformative. This love compels us to move beyond duty or obligation, embracing the needs of others as our own. [46:40]
5. God’s Peace Is Found in Self-Giving, Not Self-Preservation The peace Jesus offers is not found in clinging to our own plans or seeking our own comfort, but in giving ourselves for the sake of others. As we care for God’s people, we discover that God cares for us, providing what we need as we pour ourselves out in love.

** [54:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:22] - Call to Worship and Opening Prayer
[22:13] - Sharing the Peace
[24:29] - Community Life and Announcements
[27:00] - The Temptation of Plan B
[32:45] - The Futility of Returning to Old Ways
[36:00] - Jesus’ Provision on the Shore
[41:00] - The Lesson: Feed and Tend
[46:02] - The Universal Call to Care
[46:40] - Ministry Rooted in Love
[54:00] - Communion and Thanksgiving
[57:08] - Prayer for Unity and Service
[64:34] - Honoring Teachers and Community Members
[68:00] - Upcoming Events and Baptism Class
[72:21] - Closing Song and Benediction
[74:27] - Sending Forth: Living the Way of Peace

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 21:1-19 — (This is the story of Peter and the disciples returning to fishing after Jesus’ resurrection, Jesus meeting them on the shore, providing breakfast, and restoring Peter with the call to “feed my sheep.”)

Observation Questions

What did Peter and the other disciples decide to do after Jesus’ resurrection, and what was the result of their efforts?
How did Jesus interact with the disciples when they didn’t recognize Him on the shore? What did He do for them before they even realized it was Him?
What specific instructions did Jesus give to Peter after breakfast, and how many times did He repeat them?
According to the sermon, who is called to “feed and tend” Jesus’ sheep? Is this just for pastors and leaders, or for everyone?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter and the disciples went back to fishing, even after seeing the risen Jesus? What does this say about how people respond to uncertainty or disappointment?
The sermon says, “Even the familiar can become fruitless when God is calling us forward.” What does it mean for something to be a “good thing” but not a “God thing”?
Jesus prepared a meal for the disciples before they even caught any fish. What does this reveal about God’s character and the way He provides for us?
The call to “feed my sheep” was given to Peter, but the sermon says it’s for every believer. How does loving Jesus connect to caring for others, according to the message?

Application Questions

Can you think of a time when you were tempted to go back to an old habit or “Plan B” because things felt uncertain? What happened, and what did you learn from that experience?
Are there areas in your life right now where you feel like you’re “fishing all night and catching nothing”? How might God be inviting you to trust Him for direction instead of relying on your own plans?
The sermon says, “God’s provision often comes before our recognition.” Where have you seen God provide for you or your family in ways you didn’t notice at first? How can you become more aware of His presence and care?
Jesus’ call to “feed and tend” His sheep is for everyone. Who in your life right now might be “hungry”—physically, emotionally, or spiritually? What is one practical way you can care for them this week?
The message says, “True ministry flows from love for Christ.” What motivates you to serve others? How can you make sure your service is rooted in love for Jesus, not just duty or obligation?
The peace of Christ is found in self-giving, not self-preservation. Is there a comfort zone you feel God is asking you to step out of in order to serve or care for others? What would it look like to take that step?
As a group, brainstorm one way you can “feed, tend, and care” for people outside your small group this month—whether in your neighborhood, workplace, or community. How will you follow through together?

Sermon Clips

Sometimes in our life we are forced to go back to the place where God has taken us from. Sometimes in our lives we are forced to go back to the place where God delivered us from. Sometimes the easiest way we find ourselves is to go back to what we call normal and sometimes we don't want to go alone, we want to bring others with us. [00:32:13] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

They caught nothing because though it was a good thing it was not a God thing. That night they caught nothing because God has not instructed them to go back into fishing. It looks good, people or everybody you know affirms of what they are doing, everybody heals them, yeah is the right thing to do to sustain your life, you got to go back to what you are used to do and make it happen, make life happen. Even though it was a good thing, it was not a God thing for them. [00:35:35] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

What is it in our life that we are struggling with that God is not in it? What is it in our life that we are pushing to make happen that God has not as requested of us? They caught nothing, so what happened? The Prince of Peace steps into them, steps among them early in the morning. The Prince of Peace, Jesus, stood at the shore by the disciples. [00:36:55] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

When we feel we have walked away from God for a while, do not never ever think God has rejected you. Even when you feel like Jonah, God still has planned for you. God still, you are still in the belly of the fish. God is there in the belly of the fish. You can never go so far away from God that God cannot see you. [00:37:43] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

When Jesus entered into the space, their struggling stopped, their struggling ceased because God was with them. The peace they needed came to them because God has intervened into their situation. Can I pause here this morning and praying for somebody, praying for us today, that may God enter into our situation. Amen. May God enter into every situation that we find ourselves. [00:41:34] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus said do you really love me? You said you love me. I know you know traditionally people have interpreted this because Peter rejected the law three times, he denied Jesus three times when Jesus was going to be betrayed. But even far from not so far from the traditional understanding, we see that Jesus wanted them to know that the mission of sharing the gospel is part of feeding and caring for one another. [00:43:42] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

The true and effective ministry to God's people must flow out of love for Christ. Amen. The true and effective ministry for God's people, this is from the African Study Bible, the true and effective ministry for God's people must flow out of love and Christ. Our love for Jesus is reflected in our love for his sheep. This love is our calling. Somebody said this love is our calling. [00:47:08] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

After this Easter, find somebody to feed. People are hungry. People are hungry physically, spiritually, emotionally, intellectually. People are hungry and they need our love and care. Find somebody to feed in your small groups, find somebody you sit together in church, find somebody to feed because people are hungry for the risen Jesus and we have a path to play. [00:47:52] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus came all the way to show us the way of peace. Today let us go to our world, our community, our loved ones and show the way of peace by feeding and tendering and caring. Let us care for the caregivers, let us care for each other, let us be there for one another. [01:14:37] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

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