Feeling Stuck at Work? Invite Jesus into Your Boat! 🚤
The Empty Nets: When Work Feels Pointless 😞
In Luke 5, Simon Peter and Andrew, professional fishermen, toiled all night but caught nothing. Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve been grinding at your job, pouring in effort, but seeing no progress. The frustration is real—empty nets, long hours, and no reward.
“And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’”
— Luke 5:5 (ESV)
Their boat, their lake, their nets—nothing had changed. Except one thing: Jesus wasn’t in their boat yet.
The Game-Changer: Jesus Steps In ✨
Everything shifted when Jesus got into their boat. He told them to cast their nets again, and boom—fish overflowed! Their nets were breaking, and they needed backup to haul in the catch.
“And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.”
— Luke 5:6 (ESV)
What made the difference? Jesus’ presence. Same boat, same nets, same fishermen—but now God was working with them. Your job is your “boat.” Whether you’re a teacher, accountant, landscaper, or barista, inviting Jesus into your work changes everything. It’s not about working harder; it’s about working with God.
Dedicate Your Career to God 🙏
Here’s the key: God blesses what you give to Him. If you want your work to thrive, dedicate it to God’s glory. This doesn’t mean you need to become a pastor or missionary. It means seeing your job as a platform for God’s work.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
— Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
You’re not just a real estate agent—you’re a missionary disguised as one. You’re not just a nurse—you’re a servant of Christ healing others. When you dedicate your career to God, every task becomes an act of worship. You’re no longer working for a paycheck; you’re working for His purpose.
How to Get Jesus in Your Boat 🚢
Ready to invite Jesus into your work? Here’s how to start:
- Surrender Your Career to God
Tell God, “This job is Yours. Use it for Your glory.” Stop chasing success for yourself and start seeking His will. - Do Everything for Jesus
From emails to meetings, do it all as if Jesus is your boss. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (ESV). - Trust His Timing
Simon and Andrew didn’t see results until they obeyed Jesus’ command. Trust God’s plan, even when it feels counterintuitive. - Use Your Work as a Platform
Your job is a mission field. Show kindness, integrity, and love to coworkers and clients. Let your work reflect Jesus.
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)
Why We Struggle to Dedicate Our Work 😬
Let’s be real—committing your career to God isn’t always easy. Here are some common hurdles:
- We Think Some Jobs Are “More Spiritual”
Society often elevates pastors or missionaries as “holier” careers. But every job matters to God. A janitor cleaning for God’s glory is just as spiritual as a preacher. - Fear of Losing Control
Surrendering your career to God means trusting Him with the outcomes. That’s scary when you’re used to calling the shots. - Focus on Worldly Success
The world measures success by money, titles, or fame. God measures it by faithfulness. Shifting that mindset takes courage.
What It Looks Like to Work for God 🌟
When you dedicate your career to Jesus, your work takes on new meaning. Here’s what it might look like:
- A Teacher inspires students with kindness and integrity, pointing them to God’s truth.
- A Business Owner runs their company with honesty, treating employees like family.
- A Barista brightens customers’ days with a smile and a prayerful heart.
- An Accountant stewards resources with excellence, knowing they’re managing God’s money.
Your job becomes a ministry. You’re not just clocking in—you’re changing lives for eternity.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
Watch God Work Miracles! 🎉
When Simon Peter let Jesus use his boat, he didn’t just catch fish—he witnessed a miracle. God can do the same in your career. Maybe it’s a promotion, a new opportunity, or simply renewed joy in your work. When you give God first place, He works wonders.
Feeling stuck? Don’t jump ship just yet. Invite Jesus into your boat, dedicate your work to Him, and watch Him fill your nets.
Prayer 🙏
Heavenly Father, I invite You into my work today. Take my career, my skills, and my efforts, and use them for Your glory. Help me see my job as a mission field where I can serve You and others. Give me the courage to surrender control and trust Your plan. Fill my nets with Your blessings, and let my work reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Talk About It
- Why do we often think certain careers are “more spiritual” than others?
- What would dedicating your career to God look like in your daily tasks?
- What’s holding you back from fully committing your work to Jesus?