CTRL+Shift Print #SHEINPlusSize

What do you do when something you’ve always done stops working?

How do you handle it when all of your education and experience aren’t enough to make it work again?

How do you process the frustration that comes when routine leaves you stuck in a rut?

Let’s take a look at Peter’s story.

Peter, a fisherman by trade, found himself trying to catch fish to no avail. 

*Insert Jesus here.*

‘One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.’ Luke 5:1-2 NLT.

After Jesus finished preaching, he got into a boat to give Peter some pointers.

‘When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”’ Luke 5:4 NLT.

Peter, in typical human fashion, began to tell Jesus how long he’s been on the water, and that his efforts led him nowhere. At this point, Peter was probably too tired to try again. All of his years of experience as a fisherman probably led him to believe that trying again didn’t really make sense. However, in his frustration and desperation, Peter says:

“But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” Luke 5:5 NLT. 

Peter’s willingness to shift led to the following outcome:

‘And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!’ Luke 5:6 NLT.

Not only did Peter’s willingness to shift result in an abundance of fish, it also led to Jesus’ life changing call to follow him and become a ‘fisher of men.’ 

Since Peter’s life had a funny way of repeating itself, we have to look at John 21.

Exact same location. Exact same situation. Different day.

‘Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.’ John 21:1-3 NLT.

*Insert Jesus here.*

‘At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.’ John 21:4-6 NLT.

Deja’vu kicked in. 

Peter had seen this situation before. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, he knew from previous experience that Jesus’ direction was the reason he and the other disciples caught anything. This made Peter get dressed, jump into the water (also a situation Peter had been in before) and swim toward the shore. 

What does Peter find?

Jesus on the shore making fried fish and biscuits.

Who wouldn’t welcome that?

So what should you do when you do when something you’ve always done stops working?

How do you handle it when all of your education and experience aren’t enough to make it work again?

How do you process the frustration that comes when routine leaves you stuck in a rut?

Control?

Yeah, you definitely have to release it.

This means surrendering your agenda to God and praying for his clear direction.

Shift?

This means being open to God’s instruction and turning wholeheartedly in the direction God tells you.

Print?

The result will definitely be something beautiful.

About the Look:

These dresses were hauled in my Summer 2019 #SHEINPlusSize Haul. When I first saw them online, I assumed they were printed t-shirt dresses. Once they arrived, I realized they were actually shift dresses, which turned out to be a welcomed surprise. Who doesn’t love the ability to just throw on a dress and go? The black dress even has pockets! Paired with cute accessories, strappy shoes, and a bag, these dresses are a definite win.

Orange Print:

Royal blue bubble necklace: Amazon.

Orange bangles: Lane Bryant.

Nude suede lace-up sandals: Amazon.

Sapphire satchel: Michael Kors.

Black Print:

Black statement necklace: Walmart.

Rhinestone bangle: Adorn Sense.

Black suede lace up sandals: Amazon.

Black satchel: Michael Kors.

Pink Print:

Plum statement necklace: Amazon.

Beaded bracelets: Rainbow Shops.

Pink suede lace up sandals: Amazon.

Damson satchel: Michael Kors.