Things 2 Note

This devotional is reprinted from January 21st, with very good reason...

Obeying in Faith

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Key Verse: Luke 5:5 – Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

Jesus was speaking to a group gathered along the shores of Galilee. When He finished, He turned to Peter and told him to raise the boat’s sails, head back out into the open water, and lower his nets for a large catch of fish.

Tired and wishing only for a few hours rest, Peter seemed to hesitate. Did Jesus know what He was requesting? Everyone there knew the best time for fishing – especially with nets – was at night; the worst time was during the day.

Peter tried to reason: “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing.” But Jesus remained firm: “Let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4 NASB).

Every time we are called to obey God, our faith is challenged and our true nature revealed. The miracle of the tremendous quantity of fish was the result of Peter’s willingness to trust and obey Christ by faith. In obedience he replied, “At Your bidding I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5 NASB).

When our hearts are set on obedience, God responds mightily. There will be moments in life when you may ask, “Lord, is this a matter of obedience?” If so, choose to obey in faith, then “let down your nets” and prepare for a tremendous blessing.

Lord, I set my heart this day to obey Your Word. As I move forward in obedience, I am “letting down my nets” spiritually and preparing for a tremendous blessing. I know it is coming, so thank You in advance!

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OK...why am I going back over this devotional now?

Simple...because it fits.

Nighttime was the best time for fishing, but they had caught nothing. Then Jesus walked up, told them to go out into the deep water during the day hours and let down their nets. After a frustrating night of not catching anything, their nets were already drying and being put away. They were fishermen, and Jesus was a carpenter! Yet...somehow, for some strange reason...they knew enough to obey. That was all they had...their obedience.

And the blessing they got was more than many boats could hold!

At Your bidding, Lord, I too will let down my nets, well past the time when the fish are waiting to be caught. I will risk being a laughingstock, and i will trust You and sail out. I will do what is right, what You ask, in obedience.

Open up the heavens, Lord, and let the blessings flow! Work the miraculous. Show Your power and Your mercy and Your love.

If this is Your will...let it be so.