Week 3 - Trust & Obey | Day 16

SCRIPTURE - LUKE 5:1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 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. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

OBSERVATION

After a long night of unsuccessful fishing, Peter felt exhausted and discouraged. So when Jesus told him to cast the nets one more time, he didn’t expect anything to change. The command seemed unreasonable. Yet Peter’s response was, “because you say so, I will let down the nets.” He cast again, not because it was rational, but because Jesus had said to. Peter had already seen Jesus heal and teach with authority, so he knew he could trust what Jesus said. He didn’t obey because the command made sense. He obeyed because he trusted the One who gave it. The overflowing nets were only the beginning of the miracle Jesus did that day. Through this encounter, Jesus changed Peter’s life forever. Seeing the power and holiness of Jesus, Peter recognized Him as Lord, repented, and chose to follow Him. The miracle Jesus was working through Peter’s obedience didn’t end with a catch of fish. Jesus called him into an even greater purpose: to fish for people. Peter’s initial trust in Jesus prepared him for deeper obedience and a greater calling.

APPLICATION

When we trust in the authority and character of Jesus, we can obey His commands even when we don’t fully understand them. Living righteously isn’t always convenient. Doing what God tells us to do doesn’t always make sense at first. But when we remember who He is, trusting Him becomes the natural response. If Jesus says it, that is reason enough to obey. Regardless of what the past looks like, Jesus can use your obedience to do a miracle. Even if you’re tired, even if you haven’t seen results, even if the miracle hasn’t come yet, keep casting your net. Don’t let disappointment from the past keep you from what Jesus is calling you to do today. Instead of looking at the empty nets behind you, look to the One who is in the boat with you. Trust His authority before the miracle, and obey Him even when you don’t fully understand. God can work in ways far beyond what you expect when you choose to obey Him. 

Where is Jesus calling you to obey Him even when it doesn’t make sense? How is He calling you to trust His character more than your circumstances? Maybe He’s calling you to serve, give, or pour into others beyond what seems easy or comfortable to you. Just like Peter, your small act of obedience is preparing you for an even greater calling. Trust who Jesus is and obey Him no matter what, and He will lead you into the purpose He has prepared for you.

PRAYER

Today, ask God to deepen your trust in who He is. Pray for the faith to obey Him even before you understand everything He’s doing. Ask Him to use your obedience for His mission and purpose. 

God, thank you that you still do miracles today and that you use our obedience for your glory. Help me trust your authority and character, even when I’m tired or confused. I ask that you would use my life for your purpose as I seek to point people to you. Give me the strength to obey you no matter what. Amen. 

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