Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.  John 21:7 

 

Once 'Peter heard that it was the Lord,' he had to decide whether to leave his fish and go to Him, or stay behind with what he’d worked hard for. Real tests don’t necessarily come during hard times - anybody can seek God then. No, they come when you’ve accomplished your objectives, your nets are full, you’ve finally 'arrived.' The challenge then is - do you stay and guard your blessings, or leap overboard and go for the One who gave them to you’ Do you want the Giver more than the gift? When Paul faced his ‘success dilemma’, he said, 'You know my pedigree... from the elite tribe of Benjamin... defender of... my religion... meticulous observer of... God’s law book' (Philippians 3:4-6). Career-wise he had it made! But listen to him now: 'Things I... thought were so important are gone... dumped... in the trash so that I could embrace Christ... ' (Philippians 3:8). Temporal blessings begin to fade once you’ve met the Blesser! To reach Jesus you’ll have to leave behind those who want to stay with the fish. It felt as if Peter was forfeiting everything, yet when he reached the shore he found Jesus busy - cooking fish! Whatever you need, God already has it! Just obey Him and He’ll give you 'a blessing so great you won’t have room enough to take it in!' (Malachi 3:10). That’s His promise! But here are His terms: 'Seek first His kingdom... and all these things will be given to you... ' (See Matthew 6:33). Whatever you’re willing to walk away from ultimately determines what God can trust you with.