Let Down Your Nets

luke 5 study

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."  And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!  But at your word I will let down the nets."  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them.  And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."  For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.  And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."  {Verses 4-11}

We are all like Simon sometimes.  Jesus tells us to do something, and we doubt.  Sometimes we doubt so much that we disobey what the Lord says.  Sometimes, we listen and reap blessing.  Simon Peter did as Jesus said, although he doubted.  What happened when Simon listened?  He reaped a bountiful supply of fish!  Simon was so humbled by Jesus' mighty power and awesomeness that he fell at Jesus' feet and in his own way apologized for being doubtful.  The greater part of this text is that not only was Simon Peter a witness of this provision, but so was James, John and a large crowd.  It amazed James and John so much that they left everything to follow Jesus' calling to be his disciples.  
When we see provision from God in our lives through obedience, people around us often see the work of Him and are amazed.  I know I shared my story of how God financially provided a van for us [read here] and someone close to me, who isn't walking with Jesus was astonished at how He provided.  I don't know the details about how Jesus works in the lives of the unbelieving, but I do know that He uses our testimonies and the things He does in our life to bring others to Himself.  I believe there were others besides James and John that day, that committed their lives to following Jesus.  They may not have been Jesus' disciples, but their hearts were changed and Jesus became their Savior. 
What is Jesus asking you to do?  It may seem doubtful or unattainable- and it is... without the power of Christ.  I encourage you to obey, regardless of how your finite mind thinks about it.  Ask Jesus for faith to obey without doubt.  Let Him bless you and provide abundantly, so that your boats are full!   Let others see God's abundant blessing in your life that they might believe also. 

~Leanne~