“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” — Luke 5:4-6 NIV
Many of us calculate how best we can carry out life activities while lessening the time spent to perform tasks and their related struggles. Sometimes, our methods fail us no matter how much wisdom is applied to use them. In such moments, it’s common for people to wrestle with confusion. Questions like, “did I make the right choice?”, “did I obey or disobey God?”; “did I hear God well?” keep popping up in mind.
That was the case with Peter. He was an experienced fisherman. He knew how to fish at night. But despite his wisdom and expertise, there was a day he caught nothing even though he toiled overnight. He didn’t know that life isn’t about struggles but about following God.
In Luke 5, Jesus took time to teach crowds from a ship he entered. After He finished, He never asked Peter what was wrong with him. (Because I think Peter was both worn out and frustrated since he wasn’t sleeping at the time Jesus spoke to him, and also hadn’t caught anything overnight.) Nevertheless, Jesus proceeded to give Him one uncommon instruction, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Immediately after Jesus said this, Peter started voicing complaints to Him. Eventually, he chose to obey Jesus. After doing what Jesus said, Peter caught such a large number of fish that his net was breaking.
How many excuses have you given to God when you heard Him tell you that do something? Complaints don’t solve problems; responding to them with the right actions do. Peter never imagined that obeying Jesus would make him see a miracle.
God is in the daily business of surprising people. But it’s dependent on our obedience to His instructions. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve disobeyed Him or looked down upon His Word. He’s with you and for you. Come to Him. Honour His Word. Listen to Him. Take His Word more seriously than your complaints.
You’re a blessing.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 100