Embracing the 'What Now' Moments with Faith
Summary
Life often brings us to moments where we find ourselves asking, “What now?” Sometimes, we’ve just come through a storm or a long-awaited breakthrough, only to realize we never planned for what comes next. Other times, we fill our lives with constant activity, afraid of the silence that follows when the busyness stops. In these moments, our identity and worth can feel so tied to what we do that we don’t know how to simply be. The story in John 21, where Peter and the disciples return to fishing after Jesus’ resurrection, speaks powerfully to these “what now” seasons.
Peter’s decision to go fishing wasn’t about recreation—it was about returning to what was familiar. When faced with uncertainty, we often gravitate back to old habits, even if they no longer satisfy or produce what they once did. The past can’t sustain us when God is calling us forward. Just as the disciples caught nothing until Jesus appeared, our old ways stop working when God is inviting us into something new. Yet, Jesus meets us right where we are, not with condemnation, but with an invitation to partner with Him in the present.
The miracle of the unbroken net, filled with 153 fish, is a reminder that God’s provision in the new season is different from the past. The net didn’t break this time—God gives us the strength to carry what He’s calling us to now. Like Peter, we may find ourselves standing in the doorway of something new, unsure, maybe even frozen by fear or uncertainty. But Jesus is waiting for us—not to shame or lecture, but to welcome us home, to embrace us, and to remind us that we are not alone.
Sometimes, all we need is a small light—a star in the darkness, the embrace of a father, the voice of grace—to remind us that we’re not lost, but being led. The fact that we’re here, right now, is evidence that we’ve made it through so much already. The next step isn’t about having a five-year plan, but about following the light that God provides, trusting that He is with us in the “what now.”
Key Takeaways
- Returning to the Familiar Isn’t Always Sin, But It Can Hold Us Back
When faced with uncertainty, it’s natural to return to what’s familiar—even if it’s not sinful, it can keep us from stepping into God’s new purpose for us. The past may feel safe, but it can’t sustain us when God is calling us forward. Old assignments don’t carry new anointing; we must be willing to let go and trust God for what’s next. [23:07]
- God’s Presence, Not Titles or Past Experiences, Brings Anointing
We often chase after titles, positions, or even spiritual experiences, thinking they’ll give us value or power. But true anointing comes from being present with God, not from clinging to the past or worrying about the future. The blessing is found in the present moment, where God’s presence meets us right where we are. [26:40]
- Jesus Meets Us in Our Failure and Invites Us to Partnership
Even when we go back to old habits or fail to move forward, Jesus doesn’t wait for us to get it all together. He comes to us, performs miracles as reminders of His faithfulness, and invites us to bring what we have—even if He doesn’t need it. Restoration often looks different than we expect; sometimes it’s as simple as breakfast on the shore, not a dramatic altar call. [33:18]
- The Journey Through the Storm Is Part of the Story, Not the End
Surviving the storm is not the finish line; it’s the doorway to something new. We may find ourselves frozen, unsure of how to move forward, but God’s embrace and gentle presence remind us that we’re not alone. The journey shapes us, but it’s the next step—however small—that leads us into God’s ongoing purpose. [36:05]
- The Light in the Darkness Is Enough to Take the Next Step
We may not have a detailed map for the future, but God gives us just enough light to move forward. The embrace of the Father, the flicker of a star, or the voice of grace is a reminder that we’re being led, not lost. Trusting God in the “what now” moments is an act of faith that brings us closer to His heart and our true home. [38:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - The Question: “What Now?”
[01:59] - Setting the Scene: John 21
[03:31] - Peter Returns to Fishing
[05:09] - The Disciples’ Familiar Failure
[06:18] - Jesus Appears on the Shore
[07:34] - The Miracle of the Unbroken Net
[08:46] - Jesus Serves Breakfast
[09:35] - Longing for Home in the Storm
[12:06] - A Personal Storm Story
[16:24] - Standing in the Doorway: Frozen After the Storm
[19:52] - Delivered, But Unsure What’s Next
[23:07] - The Pull of the Familiar
[26:40] - Titles, Anointing, and the Present Moment
[28:32] - Chasing Experiences vs. Living in the Present
[33:18] - Jesus Restores and Invites Partnership
[36:05] - The Light in the Doorway
[38:10] - Jesus Welcomes Us Home
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “What Now?”
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### Bible Reading
John 21:1-13 (ESV)
1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.
3 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.
4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.”
6 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.
7 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.
8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”
11 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.
12 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.
13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.
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### Observation Questions
1. What did Peter and the other disciples do after Jesus’ resurrection, and what was the result of their efforts before Jesus appeared? (John 21:3-5)
2. How did Jesus interact with the disciples when he appeared on the shore, and what miracle did he perform? (John 21:4-6)
3. What was different about the net this time compared to the earlier fishing miracle, and why might that detail be important? (John 21:11; [07:34])
4. According to the sermon, why did Peter decide to go fishing, and what does this say about how we respond to uncertainty? ([23:07])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do people, like Peter, often return to what is familiar when they are unsure about the future? How does this tendency show up in your own life or in the lives of people you know? ([23:07])
2. The sermon says, “Old assignments don’t carry new anointing.” What does it mean for God’s calling and provision to be different in a new season? ([23:07])
3. How does Jesus’ approach to the disciples’ failure (serving them breakfast instead of lecturing them) shape our understanding of God’s grace and restoration? ([33:18])
4. The pastor shared a story about standing in the doorway after a storm, feeling frozen. What does it look like to be “frozen in the doorway” spiritually, and why is it sometimes hard to take the next step? ([16:24])
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### Application Questions
1. Can you think of a time when you went back to an old habit or routine because you were uncertain about what to do next? What was the outcome, and did it satisfy you? ([23:07])
2. The sermon says that returning to the familiar isn’t always sin, but it can keep us from God’s new purpose. Is there something in your life right now that feels “safe” but might be holding you back from what God wants to do next? ([23:07])
3. The disciples’ net didn’t break this time, even with a huge catch. Where have you seen God give you new strength or provision for a new season, even if it looked different from the past? ([07:34])
4. The pastor talked about chasing after titles, experiences, or spiritual highs instead of being present with God. Are there ways you’ve been looking for value or meaning in the wrong places? How can you focus more on God’s presence in the present moment? ([26:40])
5. Jesus met the disciples in their failure and invited them to breakfast. How does this picture of Jesus challenge the way you think about your own failures or the failures of others? ([33:18])
6. The story of standing in the doorway after the storm is about being delivered but not knowing what’s next. Are you in a “doorway” season right now? What would it look like to trust God for just the next step, even if you don’t have a five-year plan? ([16:24])
7. The sermon says, “The light in the darkness is enough to take the next step.” What is one small step you sense God is inviting you to take right now, even if you don’t see the whole path ahead? ([38:10])
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Closing Thought:
Remember, Jesus meets us right where we are—not to shame us, but to welcome us home and invite us forward. You are not alone in your “what now” moments. Let’s encourage each other to follow the light God gives, one step at a time.
Devotional
Day 1: Returning to the Familiar When Faced With the Unknown
When we find ourselves in seasons of uncertainty or after a major breakthrough, it’s tempting to return to what is familiar—even if it no longer brings fulfillment or purpose. Like Peter, who went back to fishing after encountering the resurrected Jesus, we often drift toward old habits or routines simply because they are comfortable, not because they are fruitful. Yet, what once worked may no longer satisfy or produce the same results, because God is calling us forward into something new. The past cannot sustain us for the journey ahead, and clinging to it can keep us from stepping into the purpose God has for us. [23:07]
John 21:1-13 (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. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 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. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Reflection: Is there a familiar habit or routine you keep returning to when you feel uncertain, even though you know it no longer brings life? What would it look like to trust Jesus with the unknown instead of going back to what’s comfortable?
Day 2: God’s Provision Is for Today, Not Yesterday
God’s provision is always timely and sufficient for the present moment, but it is not meant to be hoarded or relied upon for the future at the expense of trusting Him daily. Just as the Israelites tried to store up manna and found it spoiled, we can’t live off yesterday’s blessings or past experiences with God. He invites us to depend on Him each day, believing that what sustained us before may not be what we need now, and that His mercies are new every morning. [26:40]
Exodus 16:19-20 (ESV)
And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you trying to live off of “old manna”—past blessings or experiences—rather than seeking God’s fresh provision for today?
Day 3: Titles Don’t Carry Anointing—God’s Presence Does
It’s easy to believe that holding a certain title, position, or role will bring us significance or spiritual power, but true anointing comes only from God’s presence. Saul remained king in title long after God’s anointing had moved to David, showing that clinging to status or reputation cannot substitute for the living presence of God in our lives. The invitation is to be present with God right now, not to dwell on the past or anxiously anticipate the future, because His anointing is found in the present moment. [26:40]
1 Samuel 16:1, 13-14 (ESV)
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” ... Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him.
Reflection: Are you relying on a title, role, or reputation for your sense of worth or spiritual authority? How can you intentionally seek God’s presence today, regardless of your position?
Day 4: Jesus Meets Us in Our Failure and Offers Restoration
No matter how many times we return to old patterns or feel like we’ve failed, Jesus meets us right where we are—not with shame or a list of our mistakes, but with grace, restoration, and a fresh invitation to relationship. Like Peter, who was met by Jesus on the shore after a night of fruitless fishing, we are not defined by our failures. Jesus comes to us in our places of disappointment and reminds us of His love, giving us strength to move forward and fulfill our purpose. [33:18]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel stuck in failure or disappointment? How might you let Jesus meet you there with His grace and restoration today?
Day 5: The Light of God’s Presence Guides Us Home
When you find yourself standing in the doorway of something new—uncertain, soaked from the storm, and unsure of what’s next—remember that God’s presence is the light that leads you forward. You may not have a map or a five-year plan, but the gentle whisper of God assures you that you are not lost, only being led. Just as the embrace of a loving father brings comfort after a long journey, God welcomes you home and invites you to take the next step, trusting that you are already closer than you think. [38:10]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to follow the light of God’s presence, even if you don’t know the whole path ahead?
Quotes
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