Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)
The cleaning lady was obviously upset as she entered Grace’s hospital room. She banged and clanged in a huff while tidying up the intensive care unit. Grace, hooked to several wires and unable to speak, grabbed a pen and scrawled a note: “What’s wrong?”
The surprised cleaning lady stopped, sat down next to Grace’s bed, and began to unburden her soul. She shared disappointment with her children, who made hurtful, unwise decisions. Weeping, she worried about their future, feeling helpless as they followed the path of foolishness. Once again, Grace scribbled a note: “Give them to Jesus.”
The cleaning lady was overwhelmed by this simple message. “Of course! That’s exactly what I need to do. I have worried and tried to control them. I’ve been angry and upset at them. I’ve scolded and threatened them—but the one thing I haven’t done is give them to Jesus. I’ll try that. Thank you for speaking the truth to me. I think you are an angel.”
Grace smiled and prayed silently.
When you’re coming up empty, give it to Jesus, cast your net on the other side of the boat, and see what he can do. I don’t know whether the cleaning lady’s kids improved, but her spirit certainly did. The next day, when she came into Grace’s room, she didn’t bang or clang—she sang.
Trust Jesus with what’s the matter.
Mark O. Wilson is assistant professor of discipleship, multiplication, and renewal at Southern Wesleyan University (SC) and author of “Filled Up, Poured Out.” Mark and his wife, Cathy, have five children.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
