Embracing New Beginnings Through Trust and Obedience

There is power in the name of Jesus, and no matter what we face, calling on His name brings salvation, healing, and joy. Each day is a gift from God, and we are called to rejoice and be glad in it, not because everything is perfect, but because God has kept His hand on us. Even when life brings trials and tribulations, and it feels like we’re not making progress, we must resist the urge to give up or return to our old ways. Instead, we are encouraged to trust God, walk in obedience, and try again, even when it seems like nothing is working.

The story from John 21 reminds us that the disciples, after Jesus’ resurrection, were confused and uncertain about their future. Peter, in his uncertainty, decided to return to fishing—his old life before Jesus called him. But God did not allow them to succeed in what they used to do, because He had a new purpose for them. Sometimes, God blocks our success in old patterns to push us into the new identity and calling He has for us. We are reminded not to set up permanent residence in places God only meant to be temporary.

Obedience in this season may require sacrifice, loneliness, and a willingness to walk a path that others may not understand. It’s not about God giving us explanations, but about us giving Him our complete trust and obedience. When we listen for His voice, even when we can’t see Him, He will guide us. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift—a change in our approach, our thinking, our worship, or our relationships. When the disciples obeyed Jesus and cast their nets on the right side, they received a blessing greater than they could handle.

We are called to put off our old selves and embrace the new life God has given us. This may mean shifting our habits, our circles, and our priorities. God promises perfect peace to those whose minds are stayed on Him. No matter how tired or discouraged we may feel, this is not the time to give up. Instead, it’s time to try again, trust God, and make the necessary shifts to walk in the fullness of His purpose for our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Power of Not Going Back: When faced with disappointment or uncertainty, the temptation is strong to return to old habits or identities. But God often blocks our success in those old places to remind us that we are no longer who we used to be. Our growth requires us to resist the urge to retreat and instead press forward into the newness God has for us. [74:26]
• 2. Obedience Over Explanation: In seasons of transition, God may not provide detailed explanations for every step. Instead, He calls us to radical obedience, trusting that His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. True spiritual maturity is found in following God’s direction even when the way is unclear or lonely. [64:10]
• 3. The Necessity of Shifting: Sometimes, breakthrough requires a shift—a change in our approach, our thinking, or our environment. The disciples’ blessing came not from giving up, but from shifting their nets to the other side at Jesus’ command. God may be calling us to shift our prayer life, our relationships, or our mindset to receive what He has prepared. [80:36]
• 4. Listening for the Voice of Jesus: When circumstances are confusing and Jesus seems distant, it is crucial to listen for His voice. Even when we don’t recognize Him, His guidance brings peace and direction. Obedience to His voice, even when it doesn’t make sense, leads to abundance and renewed purpose. [78:36]
• 5. Embracing the New Self: God calls us to put off our old selves and be renewed in spirit and mind. This transformation is not just about avoiding past mistakes, but about actively embracing the new identity and purpose God has given us. As we shift into this newness, we experience God’s perfect peace and become vessels for His glory. [84:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [55:20] - Rejoicing in a New Day
• [56:46] - The Gift of God’s Keeping
• [58:30] - Greeting and Community
• [59:40] - John 21: The Disciples’ Dilemma
• [62:28] - Try Again: The Call to Persevere
• [67:16] - Remembering Jesus’ Miracles
• [68:54] - The Temptation to Go Back
• [73:37] - When Old Ways Don’t Work
• [77:56] - Jesus on the Shore: The Invitation to Shift
• [80:36] - Making the Shift
• [82:48] - The Blessing in Obedience
• [84:15] - Putting on the New Self
• [89:23] - Shifting Our Thinking and Priorities
• [92:43] - Invitation to Salvation and Rededication
• [98:51] - Baptism and New Beginnings
• [101:14] - Announcements and Community Life
• [103:14] - Honoring Local Judges and Civic Engagement
• [105:40] - Celebrating September Birthdays
• [112:28] - Baptism Ceremony
• [121:06] - Closing and Global Missions Offering
• [122:35] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Reading

John 21:1-7 (ESV) — After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 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. 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. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV) — ...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Observation Questions

1. In John 21, what did Peter and the other disciples decide to do after Jesus’ resurrection, and what was the result of their efforts?
2. What specific instruction did Jesus give the disciples when they had caught nothing, and what happened when they obeyed?
3. According to Ephesians 4:22-24, what are believers called to do with their “old self” and “new self”?
4. In the sermon, what reason was given for why the disciples were not successful when they went back to fishing?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Peter have chosen to return to fishing instead of stepping into the new calling Jesus had given him? What does this reveal about how people often respond to uncertainty or disappointment?
2. The sermon suggests that God sometimes blocks our success in old patterns or habits. Why would God do this, and how does it relate to our spiritual growth?
3. What does it mean to “make a shift” as described in the sermon, and why is this sometimes necessary for breakthrough or blessing?
4. How does listening for the voice of Jesus, even when He seems distant, help us move forward in faith?

Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about the temptation to go back to old habits or identities when life gets hard. Is there an area in your life where you feel tempted to “go back” instead of pressing forward? What would it look like to resist that temptation this week?
2. Have you ever experienced a time when something you used to be good at or enjoy no longer brought you satisfaction or success after following Jesus? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
3. The disciples’ breakthrough came when they obeyed Jesus’ instruction to cast the net on the other side. Is there a specific area where you sense God is asking you to “shift” your approach, thinking, or relationships? What practical step can you take to make that shift?
4. The sermon emphasized obedience over explanation—trusting God even when we don’t have all the answers. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to choose obedience without full understanding? What’s holding you back?
5. Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to put off the old self and put on the new. What is one old habit, mindset, or relationship you need to “take off,” and what is one new practice or attitude you want to “put on” this month?
6. The sermon mentioned that making a shift might mean changing your circle of friends, your priorities, or your thinking. Is there a specific shift you feel God is prompting you to make? How can the group support you in this?
7. When was the last time you listened for the voice of Jesus in a confusing or difficult situation? How did you recognize His guidance, and what was the outcome?