DAILY TEXT, Sunday, October 19, 2025. Let down your nets there for fishing (Luke 5:4).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Let them cast their nets there for fishing (Luke 5:4).

Jesus assured Peter that Jehovah would take care of him. After resurrection, Jesus again benefited Peter and other apostles with a miraculous catch of fish (John 21:4-6). This miracle undoubtedly confirmed to Peter that Jehovah could easily provide for all his material needs. At that moment, the apostle may have remembered Jesus' promise that Jehovah would take care of those who were "seeking first the Kingdom" (Matt. 6:33).

Knowing this, Peter prioritized his ministry over the fishing business. Thus, at Pentecost in 33 AD, he gave a courageous testimony that helped thousands accept the good news (Acts 2:14, 37-41). Later, he helped many Samaritans and Gentiles become disciples of Christ (Acts 8:14-17; 10:44-48). Clearly, Peter was a powerful instrument in Jehovah's hands in bringing all kinds of people into the congregation.

How does Peter's example help us if we have been struggling with the same weakness for a long time?

Jehovah can also help us not to give up. Sometimes this can be very difficult, especially if we've been struggling with the same weakness for a long time. And our weaknesses may seem worse than Peter's. But Jehovah can give us the strength to keep going. (Ps. 94:17-19)

Let's take the example of a brother who, before learning the truth, lived a homosexual life for many years. Although he completely abandoned his immoral behavior, he sometimes had evil desires. What kept him from giving up his fight? "Jehovah strengthens us," he explains. He adds: "With the help of Jehovah's Spirit [...], I have learned that it is possible to continue [...] on the path of truth." Finally, he says: "Jehovah has allowed me to serve him [...], and despite my imperfections, he continues to strengthen me."

How can we imitate Peter's example? (Acts 4:13, 29, 31)

As we saw, Peter gave in to his fear of man more than once. But he asked Jehovah for help and was able to act with courage. (Read Acts 4:13, 29, 31.) We too can overcome our fears. Consider what happened to Horst, a young Witness who lived in Nazi Germany. On several occasions, he gave in to pressure at school and said the Heil Hitler salute. Instead of scolding him, his parents prayed with him and asked Jehovah to give him courage. Thanks to his parents' help and his reliance on Jehovah, Horst eventually gained the strength to stand firm. Later, he acknowledged, "Jehovah has never abandoned me."

How can pastors lovingly encourage those who are discouraged?

Jehovah and Jesus will never give up on us. When Peter denied knowing Christ, he faced a crucial decision in his life. Would he give up? Or would he remain a disciple of Christ? Jesus had prayed to Jehovah for Peter so that his faith would not fail. Then he told Peter that he had prayed for him and was confident that later he would be able to strengthen his brothers. (Luke 22:31, 32)

How encouraging it must have been for Peter to remember these words of Jesus! We too will have to make crucial decisions in our lives. At those times, Jehovah may use loving shepherds to give us the encouragement we need to remain faithful.—Eph. 4:8, 11.

Paul, who has served as an elder for many years, strives to comfort others. When he sees a brother about to give up, he encourages him to remember how Jehovah brought him to the truth. He also assures him that Jehovah will never give up on him because he loves him and is loyal to him. This elder has seen many discouraged brothers overcome with Jehovah's help.

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