Ever feel like you're doing everything right but still coming up empty? In this message, we look at John 21 and discover that sometimes the issue isn’t your effort, it’s your direction. The disciples were in the right boat, doing what they knew, but caught nothing until Jesus showed up and simply told them to try the other side. When life feels stuck or off track, the answer isn’t always a big change, it’s often a small adjustment toward Jesus. Don’t let frustration pull you back into old habits. Look for Jesus. Listen to His Word. Then do what He says. The breakthrough might be just one shift away.

The Most Unforgettable Fish Story Ever Told God will often put us in situations we can’t handle, on purpose. Not to shame us, but to grow our faith, increase our maturity, and remind us who the real Provider is. The miracle of feeding the 5,000 wasn’t just about bread and fish, it was about trust, surrender, and stepping out with what little you have… so He can show you what He can do.

Three Life-Changing Truths from the Feeding of the 5,000: 1. God Puts You in Over Your Head for a Reason - Jesus didn’t ask Philip how to feed the crowd because He needed ideas. He asked to teach him—and us.

2. Miracles Are Built on What You Already Have - Miracles aren’t magic tricks.

3. Seek the Provider, Not Just the Provision - Jesus doesn’t want to just give you stuff. He wants to grow your trust in Him.

Look at your life right now, where are you facing something bigger than you?

• Step in with what you do have.

• Surrender the outcome.

• Trust that Jesus is enough.

You don’t need to figure it all out. You just need to show up, give what you’ve got, and remember who holds the basket.

Following Jesus is about continually taking the next step toward Him—not achieving perfection all at once.

We often get discouraged because we think spiritual growth should be instant, like the disciples immediately dropping their nets and following Jesus. But in reality, it’s a process. Just like Peter, you’ll have moments of meeting Jesus, moments of following Him, and moments of going back to old habits. The key is not to quit when you fall but to get back up and keep moving toward Him.

Jesus calls you to go deeper in your relationship with Him, not just once, but over and over. Before God ever calls you to do something for Him, He calls you to know Him. The “task” will come later, but the first step is relationship.