“And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s…”
Peter did not yet possess the miracle.
But he possessed something Heaven could use:
availability.
His boat had returned empty.
His body was tired.
His night had disappointed him.
Yet when Jesus needed the boat, Peter allowed Him access.
That simple act becomes one of the great lessons of Kingdom service.
God can do more with surrendered availability than with unsurrendered ability.
1. AVAILABILITY GIVES GOD ACCESS
Ability matters.
Training matters.
Competence matters.
Excellence matters.
But ability that remains outside Christ’s government can become self-sufficient.
Availability says:
“Lord, what I have is accessible to You.”
My time.
My strength.
My gifts.
My resources.
My experience.
My opportunities.
My boat.
My life.
Availability is the posture that says:
“Lord, if You require it, it is Yours.”
2. GOD HAS ALWAYS USED AVAILABLE PEOPLE
Isaiah said:
“Here am I; send me.”
Samuel said:
“Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
Mary said:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
Paul asked:
“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
The language differs.
The posture is the same.
Availability.
3. AVAILABILITY OFTEN INTERRUPTS CONVENIENCE
Peter was washing his nets.
He was finished.
Yet Jesus’ request interrupted his schedule.
This is where surrender becomes practical.
We love availability when it costs nothing.
But true availability sometimes interrupts:
plans,
comfort,
timetable,
preferences,
personal convenience.
This does not mean every human request is God’s assignment.
Boundaries remain important.
Discernment remains necessary.
But if Christ is Lord, He retains the right to interrupt us.
A surrendered life gives God permission to rearrange what convenience had already scheduled.
4. THE BOAT BECAME A PULPIT
Peter’s boat had been built for fishing.
Jesus used it for preaching.
The original function was not sinful.
But surrender revealed another possibility.
This teaches us not to separate “spiritual” and “ordinary” life too rigidly.
A business can serve Kingdom purposes.
A home can host ministry.
Technology can spread truth.
Professional expertise can solve human problems.
Money can advance mission.
A vehicle can transport people.
A writing gift can disciple nations.
The question is not merely:
“What was this given to me for?”
But also:
“Lord, how can this serve Your purpose?”
5. AVAILABILITY PRECEDES INSTRUCTION
Peter first made the boat available.
Later came:
“Launch out into the deep…”
Surrender positioned him to receive further direction.
Sometimes we want complete explanation before obedience.
But God often reveals direction progressively.
Abraham was told to go before knowing every detail.
The disciples followed before understanding the whole journey.
Availability says:
“Lord, I may not know everything You intend, but I trust the One who is leading me.”
6. AVAILABILITY IS GREATER THAN TALENT WITHOUT SURRENDER
A talented person who cannot be corrected is dangerous.
A gifted person who cannot be interrupted is limited.
An intelligent person who cannot submit understanding to God’s Word may become trapped by his own brilliance.
God does not despise ability.
He gives ability.
But ability must come under lordship.
Talent determines what you may be capable of doing; surrender determines whether God can safely govern that capability.
7. THE AVAILABLE PERSON MUST ALSO BECOME TEACHABLE
Availability is not merely saying:
“Use me.”
It includes saying:
“Correct me.”
“Teach me.”
“Redirect me.”
“Stop me.”
“Send me.”
“Keep me.”
“Change my method.”
“Change my mind.”
The servant who is available only for assignments he already likes is not fully available.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What is your boat?
Is there anything you claim belongs to God but over which He has little practical authority?
Can God interrupt your convenience?
Can God correct your method?
Are you asking God for opportunities while resisting the assignments already available?
CHAPTER TWO DECLARATION
Lord, my life is available to You.
My gifts are available.
My resources are available.
My plans are available.
My experience will remain under Your authority.
Use what is in my hand for what is in Your heart.
TRANSITION — FROM AVAILABILITY TO FAITHFULNESS
Peter’s boat was now serving Jesus.
But there was still a problem.
His nets were still empty.
That introduces a deeper test:
Can you serve while your own answer is still delayed?