Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” (John 21:3)

Daily reading: Isaiah 58

Peter’s words reveal his tendency to act independently—a trait he had before the Lord called him. He once lived by his own will, undisciplined, like many of us before grace intervened. Even after years with Jesus, Peter hadn’t yet learned full submission. Yet the Lord, knowing Peter’s heart and past, responded with patience and love. He touched Peter where it mattered—his love for Christ. When John said, It is the Lord, Peter rushed through the water to Him. Jesus spoke of Peter’s youth, when he went his own way, and of his old age, when he would surrender to God’s will—even unto death. Peter’s journey was one of learning obedience over a lifetime. Like him, we must mortify self-will and listen to our Master’s voice. True obedience glorifies God, whether in life or death. The Lord values it deeply and will reward it in the day to come.