Going Fishing

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 the 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....  (Luke 5:4-9 ESV)

These men are just beginning to discover who Jesus is.  What an amazing thing it must have been for them to bring in such an incredible number of fish, all the while thinking the whole venture was an exercise in futility!  They'd already tried; they were skilled fisherman and had been hard at work all night. This morning as I read this passage, some new questions came to mind.  Not to read more into this account than is there, but when have I "toiled all night and took nothing"?  When have my labors been self-directed or self-driven and led to low outcomes?  

When I was writing my first Bible study I can remember laboring over a particular lesson, spending hours writing, thinking, studying and writing some more, only to feel that I was going nowhere fast.  I had "labored all night and took nothing".  Finally, I would just stop laboring, look to Jesus and ask him what he wanted me to write, ask for his message for those who would be doing this study.  I'd wait quietly then "let down my nets in deeper water".  It was amazing!  The words would flow.  Deleting all my words, rewriting the material afresh, I would often be so surprised and blessed by where the Lord would take me - the message he gave me to share.  How many times I was brought to tears or sat in awe of what I was being shown!  My "nets" were overflowing with the abundance.

I wish I could tell you that I learned my lesson and only had to do a big delete and re-write once or twice.   But even though there were hours of self-driven effort that were undone by the Lord's directions to put out into the deep and drop your nets for a catch, I'm grateful and so thankful for the experience and reminders of the bountiful results when God directs our efforts.  Like Peter and his friends, I came to discover who Jesus is in a new and amazing way.  I learned more about his love for his children, his heart and compassion.  I came away with a love and excitement for God's word that is only growing stronger.  I could feel his delight in my discoveries of the hidden jewels in the Scriptures. What a blessing!  Is it any wonder that Peter fell to his knees in awe and wonder before his Lord?

Our results or "catch" may not be seen immediately but we know that when we're co-laboring with God, the results - the fruit - have eternal significance and may be evident in ways we simply cannot see with your limited, finite vision.  Regardless of what we can or cannot see, the "nets" may be bursting at the seams. God's gifts, provisions, answers and blessings are greater than we can ever imagine!  Trust him when you sense him nudging you to go out a little deeper.  Drop your nets in faith and watch him fill them.


Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)


The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)