When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” – Luke 5:4, NIV
Peter is tired from a long night of toiling. He’s spent the past twelve hours trying to fish. As he watches the sunrise, he thinks about the debts he owes. Yet he has no fish and is frustrated.
Then Jesus appears on the scene. Peter’s heard of the Carpenter from Nazareth, His miracles, and His healings. The Carpenter tells him to let down the nets once more.
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.” (Luke 5:5)
The results made Simon’s eyes bug out. The nets filled to overflowing. He caught so many fish that he had to yell for others to help him with the haul. He’s amazed and overwhelmed.
Are you standing where Peter was? Have you tried again and again to accomplish something with your own strength? Maybe you’ve been determined to repair the crack in your marriage or overcome an addiction. But no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to get it together.
In the face of hopelessness and despair, Jesus is whispering over you the same thing He said to Peter, “Try one more time.”
Prayer:
God, I feel so weary and overwhelmed. Give me the strength to let down my net once more. I trust You to provide for me and my household. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
