Introduction: How do you bear, or throw off discouragement? Some people exercise. Some eat chocolate. Some travel. Some people go fishing. It may be that the disciples were discouraged at this point in their lives. They knew that Jesus had risen from death. But still, He was gone. And the day of Pentecost had not yet come. Many had been fishermen when Jesus called them to be His disciples, and it was natural that they would go back to fishing. Jesus appeared to them as they fished, and there are many points of encouragement in this appearance.

I. Be encouraged that Jesus appeared AGAIN.

A. He won't give up on us.
B. Remember the parable of the 1/100 lost sheep?
C. Consider the pre-school theme song:

"He's still workin on me, to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,
The sun and the Earth, and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still workin on me!"

II. Be encouraged that our failures and problems are providentially allowed by God to teach us spiritual lessons.

A. They fished all night and caught nothing.
B. The disciples failed to heal a man's son.
C. The doctors failed for ten years to heal the bleeding woman.
D. Israel failed to enter the promised land, and wandered 40 years.
E. Samson failed to resist the temptations of Delilah.
F. Remember Romans 8:28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

III. Be encouraged that God cares and provides for our basic needs.

A. They had fished all night, and were hungry. Jesus had breakfast ready.
B. Jesus commanded us to pray for our "daily bread."
C. God keeps track of even insignificant sparrows, and moreso of His children.
D. David testified of the Lord's care:

Psa 37:25 "I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."

IV. Be encouraged that whatever sort of person you may be, God has a place for your particular skills and personality.

A. John, the apostle Jesus loved.
B. Peter, chosen to lead.
C. James, Nathaniel, Thomas, and other apostles not even named. God had a place and a plan for each of them.
D. Paul was a missionary. Timothy was a pastor. The little boy was a giver of fish and bread. Lydia opened up her home for a house church. Dorcas sewed clothing for the poor. God has a place for you, whatever your talents or means.

Conclusion: Everyone gets discouraged from time to time. Elijah wished he could die, and decided that no one loved God but him. John the Baptist was discouraged in prison, and sent his disciples to make sure Jesus really was the Messiah. Even Jesus groaned and wept in the garden of Gethsemane. But take heart! Encourage yourself in the Lord. He won't give up on you. He WILL use your problems and failures to teach you spiritual lessons. He will provide for your daily needs. And, whoever you may be, God has a job for you to do. May the Lord bless us, and increase our peace and joy in Him. Amen.