Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21:7)
The disciples had been fishing all night, but hadn't caught even one fish. Now as the early morning sun was rising, they heard the voice of a man (the risen Lord) on the shore about a hundred yards away, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" The man told them to cast the net on the right side of the boat and that they would find a catch.
The disciples were, by this time, exhausted and frustrated after fishing all night without any success. These professional fishermen would know that it is highly unlikely that any large fish would be in these shallow waters, but in deference to this man who somehow knew that they had caught nothing, they agreed to cast their net once more. To their amazement, they caught a very large number of fish (153 to be exact). John immediately realized that only the Lord could have done this and said to Peter, "It is the Lord!."
As Christians, we ought to see the Lord's hand in everything. Our sovereign God is, of course, in complete control of all things. Nothing escapes His notice and there are no coincidences. When we observe the order, beauty and complexity of nature, we know it is the Lord! When we enjoy good health, receive material blessings, the love of family and friends, kindness from strangers, the joy of success, we know it is the Lord!
Even when we encounter varies trials and tribulations that strengthen our faith and build our spiritual endurance, we know it is the Lord! And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
As you walk through life, walk by faith, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Now open you spiritual eyes and see all that God is doing everywhere and in everything. It is the Lord! Maranatha!
