Wear and tear is the damage that is associated with and inevitably occurs as a result of normal use or aging. The expression refers to the damage or deterioration resulting from ordinary use.
But there is nothing ordinary or common about our service to the Lord, so this phrase is without significance when it comes to the Kingdom of God.
After His resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee. They had gone out fishing the night before but didn’t catch a single fish. When Jesus showed Himself at the shoreline, they didn’t recognize Him, and then He called out for them to cast the net on the other side of the boat.
They did so and instantly the net was so full of fish they couldn’t haul it into the boat. At this time Peter and John recognized Jesus, but Peter dove into the water and swam to shore while the rest of the disciples dragged the net behind the boat. But then Peter helped them drag it onto the shore.
Notice the testimony of the net.
“Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” (John 21:11)
Considering the enormous size of the catch, dragging the net in the water and then unto the shore should have torn it open, or at least in some places. But the Lord kept it in tack to give the disciples the abundance.
When the Lord gives, He does so without sorrow. He gives to us above and beyond what we can ask or even think (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus says when we seek His kingdom and righteousness, then He will supply all our needs (Matthew 6:33).
When God gives to us His blessings, along with the gifts He provides, all we need to do is enjoy them. He never allows the net to tear and the blessings to scatter. The key is we must do it His way, we must cast the net where He tells us, and then the blessings will be ours.
So, when we’re about Kingdom of God business, then there will be no wear and tear.
Dennis Lee is the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship located at 211 West 1st South, behind ACE Hardware.
This Sunday at 10 a.m., Pastor Dennis will be starting a new series to get us ready for November’s Welcome Back Sundays, and the need to get ourselves reset, reignited, and refueled for life.
This Sunday Morning we’ll be looking at the Woman and the Well and God’s Living Water.
Sunday morning service begins at 10 a.m. either in-person or on-line (Children and Youth ministry available). All services and teachings, including Sunday 6 p.m. service, are available on our YouTube Channel, “Mesquite NV Living Waters Fellowship.”
Pastor Lee also provides daily inspiration (Devotionals, Thoughts, and Tweets) on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/dennis.lee.3760/).
I love that analogy with the net. I find that the time we as believers suffer burnout the most is when we attempt serve the Lord on our own terms without seeking God for exactly where and how He wants to use us. That’s when are are tempted the most to throw up our hands in discouragement and give up when things don’t go the way we thought they should go, because we tried to lean on our own understanding. That’s when the wear and tear sets in, because we try to put God into a box and set parameters around us forgetting that God has no boundaries to what He is able to do through us if we will just step out in faith and follow His lead. I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths.” and Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
Thank you Debbie for insight in how this thought has helped you understand how God keeps and helps us in these troubling times we face. God bless
What a delightful reminder that God is good and perfect in His ways. But we must listen.
Linda,
Thank you, it is a great reminder to us all, but as you so rightly pointed out, will we listen to His instruction? When we don’t that is when the wear and tear happens.
Thanks again,
Dennis
This is an excellent article. Our Pastor Dennis is spot on directing our focus of attention to our Lord and Savior. The world will with its chaos attempt to draw us in every direction but toward our God… and ultimately… it is He our Father who remains in control. I pray everyone reads the pastor’s article… May each of you be richly blessed and filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen
Moose,
Yes, the world will definitely draw us away to it’s agenda, and that is when we get all torn up and torn apart. But when we do it the way prescribed by God, then He will mend what the world has so badly torn.
Take care and God bless
Dennis
What a wonderful reminder that Great is Thy faithfulness which has been so true in my walk with Him when I have followed rather than attempt to lead. Thanks for the reminder Pastor Dennis!
Wes,
I am reminded of an old and trusted leadership adage, and that is, we will never be able to lead others until we first learn how to follow.
Take care my friend, and I love Nancy’s picture.
Dennis
Pastor Dennis
Thanks for the timely message as a lot of us are feeling wear and tear, through circumstances in this world.
However, we serve a mighty God, and His Strength will help us in these times.
Faith at ALL times no matter what we are going through, leaning on His Word and what he has promised us who believe.
Blessings
James
James,
You are definitely correct that this is something we need to know especially in our world today that is tugging and tearing us apart, not only individually, but corporately as the church. But we do serve a mighty God and one who hears our cries and answers our prayers. I hope you have a great day. Take care and God bless
Dennis