Many of us don’t like being told what to do. I know I struggle with it! Imagine if you took a drive over to one of the fishing communities scattered throughout Ireland, say, Killybegs, Kinsale or Kilkeel and you told the experienced fishermen to sail back out, this time deeper and try again. Well, Jesus did just that!
We read in Luke 5:5-7:
“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
If I’m being honest, if I were one of the disciples I’m not sure how I would have responded. These men were experts on the water, they knew the weather patterns and the best spots to fish, knowledge that was probably passed down through generations. Yet their response to Jesus (perhaps reluctantly) was “but if you say so” and then they acted in obedience to Him. What resulted was a bumper catch needing others to step in and help! In their amazement at the miracle that had just happened as a result of their obedience to Christ, they left their nets (and all the fish they just caught) to follow Jesus (verse 11).
At times it may be stressful (and perhaps even awkward) to go against the flow and probably most people would encourage you to take the safe route, to not take the risk. But what has Jesus been telling you to do? What has He been calling you to? Perhaps it’s:
- Go and pray with someone?
- Go and take the steps to restore a relationship?
- Change career?
- Move location?
- Cut off a generational mindset?
- Step into a new ministry opportunity?
- Learn a new skill?
What if you stepped out in faith, led by the Holy Spirit, trusted Jesus, went deeper, and were left completely and utterly amazed at His kindness towards you? Jesus took the fishermen away from what they did best, and their means to support their families, and in so doing, He radically transformed their lives. Because of their obedience, they had front row seats to the miracles and teachings of Jesus and were amazed at the true fullness of life that He promised to them as well as to each of us now in 2022.
They left their plans to follow Him…will you? What a land we would live in if all followers of Jesus would step out in obedience to Him!
Father, thank You for who You are. Father, I surrender my will, my ways, and my plans to wholeheartedly obey and follow You. Lead me by Your Holy Spirit, give me ears to listen and a heart to respond to Your calling in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.