We’ve all experienced those nevertheless moments. They could be when a paycheck stretches further than it should, when we find unexplainable joy after a great tragedy or loss, or when a door closed but a better opportunity became available just in time. Even we, as believers, are influenced to quickly write off such unexplainable outcomes as coincidence, chance, good luck, or our own knowledge or skills.

An example of a nevertheless moment was when the disciples had fished all night but caught nothing. Jesus gets into the boat and tells Simon to go back out and let down his nets again. Simon reminds Jesus that he and the other fishermen had fished all night without success (Luke 5:5).

Simon, however, lowered the nets again as Jesus asked. When he did, his nets caught so many fish that he had to call in James and John’s boat to help pull in the incredible catch, which almost sank the boats.

Experiencing this amazing and unexpected outcome brought Simon to his knees. He confessed his sinful nature and acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus. Jesus used this nevertheless moment to prepare Simon, James, and John to follow Him and become disciples who would share the gospel with the world.

We may think such nevertheless moments were only for disciples and do not apply to ordinary people today. But when Simon, James, and John first appear in Scripture, they were just ordinary local fishermen. They did what fishermen do: catch and sell fish.

God still uses nevertheless moments to build our faith and prepare us for service. Just as Simon did, we should acknowledge Jesus as the giver of our undeserved, unexplainable blessings. Pray for ways to share Jesus with others who may be in a season of discouragement and need the hope that only Jesus can give.