When Familiar Feels Empty
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
February 15th Sermon, Day 1
Have you ever found yourself going back to old habits when life gets overwhelming? Peter did exactly this after denying Jesus three times. Weighed down by guilt and confusion, he returned to what felt safe - his fishing boat. But that night, despite his expertise, he caught nothing.
Sometimes when we're hurting, we retreat to familiar patterns that once brought us comfort or success. Maybe it's an old relationship, a former way of coping, or simply avoiding the calling God has placed on our lives. But here's what Peter discovered: what used to work doesn't always work anymore, especially when God has called us to something greater. The empty nets weren't a punishment - they were a gentle reminder that our old identities no longer fit who God has made us to be.
When we try to move forward without clarity or return to patterns that no longer serve God's purpose for our lives, we often come up empty. This isn't failure; it's redirection. God allows these moments of emptiness not to discourage us, but to draw us back to Him. Sometimes the very thing that used to bring us security becomes the catalyst that drives us toward our true calling.
Bible Verse
Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 'I'm going out to fish,' Simon Peter told them, and they said, 'We'll go with you.' So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. - John 21:2-3
Reflection Question
What familiar patterns or old identities are you tempted to return to when life feels uncertain or overwhelming?
Quote When God calls you to do something and you decide not to do it, don't be surprised if a lot of things that used to work don't work anymore.
Prayer
Lord, when I'm tempted to retreat to what feels familiar but no longer fits Your purpose for my life, redirect my heart back to You. Help me trust that You have something better than what I'm leaving behind.
