Trust and Obey
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 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.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 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. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 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.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:4-11)
Lifelong fishermen, the first disciples knew the trends of their usual catch. They knew that after a certain time, in the morning, new activity would be unlikely. So, after working all night with nothing to show for it, they probably wanted nothing more than to head home and sleep. When Jesus commandeered Simon Peter's boat perhaps they were all too tired to protest. From his perch in the shallow water, Jesus taught and the weary workers listened. But when Jesus asked Simon to take the boat out further and try again for a catch, Simon spoke up for the group - voicing their truth and his own trust in Jesus. With everything Simon Peter knew, this seemed like a pointless endeavor. But even in the midst of his doubt, Simon acted in obedience and trust.
Sometimes we may feel a nudge on our hearts to do something, reach out to someone, try something new, or retry something that was previously unsuccessful. It may be that God is pulling us into a deeper understanding of who God is and what God can do. Simon's obedience created an opportunity for Jesus to display God's power in a way that Simon could not deny. The faith of Simon Peter (and all of Jesus' disciples) was never blind, but was built on the foundation of trust that Jesus earned over and over again. Every act of power revealed God's presence and provision. By God's grace, may we trust all that God has already done and walk in obedience that we might see God's power revealed in ways we can't even imagine.
3 On the day I called, you answered me; you increased my strength of soul. 6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he perceives from far away. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (Psalm 138:3, 6-8)
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