Jesus had just been crucified and buried when Peter and the other disciples decided to meet together. They were assembled behind a locked door, fearing for their lives, when they heard these exciting words: “He’s alive!”
Suddenly, Jesus walked through the locked door in his resurrected body and said to them, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). He was saying, “Fear not! It is I, your Lord.” Now, tell me, if you had been in that room, wouldn’t you say this was the most incredible sight you could ever witness? Wouldn’t you be convinced that you could never doubt again?
Yet, what followed this greatest of all spiritual highs? “Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing’” (John 21:3). Six of the disciples followed Peter to the lake, in effect returning to their lives as fishermen. Why? What had happened to the great ministry God had called them to?
These men had fallen into deep sorrow because of something Jesus had warned them about: “In a little while, and you will not see Me … and you will be sorrowful” (John 16:19-20). Christ knew his devoted followers would experience a very low period after he returned to heaven; they were going to be overwhelmed by his physical absence in their lives. Even though he had promised he would be with them (see Matthew 28:20), it seemed he was leaving them to make it on their own.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell when you felt as if God had left you on your own? You may have been hearing God’s voice clearly and your fellowship with him was wonderful. Then one day you woke up and the heavens seemed as brass.
Beloved, when this happens, do not panic! Peter advises us, “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you … but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:12-13). The truth is, even though it may not seem like it, if you are on dry ground, you are on your way to greater things in your spiritual walk.