Peter collected his thoughts and then tactfully stated, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing." I imagine that an uncomfortably long period of silence followed his statement. Peter wanted the weight of his words to sink down deep into Jesus' ears--"toiled . . . all night . . caught nothing . . . toiled . . . ALL night . . . caught NOTHING . ." The Master sat quietly and waited for Peter to respond. In His Divine wisdom, Jesus knew that obedience is always rewarded, and there was an amazing reward waiting for Peter.

"Nevertheless, at your word, I'll let down the net," Peter conceded. Remember this phrase when you can't sleep at night because your son has difficulty remembering his multiplication tables. Think about it when your daughter fails her spelling test after you helped her study for days on end. Replay Peter's answer when you, too, have felt like all your labor has been in vain and you have toiled--really toiled--for nothing. "At your word, I'll let down the net--because you've asked, Lord, I'll do it again."

Peter wearily tossed the net back into the water just as he had done dozens of times the night before; only this time, a multitude of fish swam directly into it. He summoned for his partners and soon they joined him in the draw. An instant replay took place in Peter's mind, "At thy word, I'll let down the net . . . of course, Lord . . . I'll gladly let down the net . . ." One moment he's "toiling all night for nothing" and the next he's "filling all the boats." Faithful obedience makes a difference.

You believed in your heart that the Lord called you to homeschool your children. You have toiled over curriculum, library books, schedules, routines, responsibilities, devotions, grades, record-keeping, tests, study habits, and work space. Some days you will think it has all been for nothing. Have faith and be encouraged, my comrade. The one who called you to "launch out into the deep" and then said, "let down your net, again" will reward your faithfulness with a catch that will astound you. When you're weary and the results seem predictably negative, take a deep breath and go at it one more time. Your faithful obedience to His word will transform your seemingly wasted toil into a major miracle.

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Timothy Palla is the pastor of Fairview Baptist Church in the Lucasville/Minford area of southern Ohio. He and his lovely wife, Jennifer, homeschool their five children; Drew, Dane, Aidan, Ethan, and Meghan. You may contact him at tpalla@rocketmail.com

This article was originally published in the Nov/Dec '05 issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine. For more information, visit http://HomeSchoolEnrichment.com To request a free sample copy, visit http://homeschoolenrichment.com/magazine/request-sample-issue.html