Luke 5...Because You Say So

In the beginning of Luke 5, we see Jesus teaching to a large crowd of people. The crowd was so large that he eventually got into a boat belonging to some local fishermen, and had them set off a little ways, and he taught the people on the shore from the boat.

The boat belonged to Simon, who would become Peter, the disciple of Christ. After he is done teaching, Jesus instructs him to put out into deep water and to let down his net for a catch of fish.

Simon informs Jesus that they had fished ALL NIGHT LONG and caught nothing. (And remember Simon is a professional fisherman...Jesus is a carpenter). But he says some really profound words...he says, "But because you say so, I will let down my net."

And of course, then they catch such a large number of fish that the net begins to break, the boat starts to sink, and Simon is in awe of the goodness and power of God.

I think that for anyone who has served the Lord for any length of time, this is a familiar story. Isn't God always asking us to do things that seem CRAZY?!! Whether it's giving a large offering when financially that doesn't seem like a good idea, or talking to someone you don't want to, or sharing the gospel with a stranger, or any number of other crazy things...God continually asks us to do things that require faith...and I've found that just like that catch of fish, there is always a huge reward for obeying.

But I think one of the biggest lessons of this story is that sometimes we think we are experts about situations in our lives. We think we know everything about our circumstances, what can happen, and what can't...how things are going to be. I think sometimes God invites us to remember that He is all-powerful...nothing is impossible for Him, and he wants us to re-examine situations that look hopeless or broken, and to see them as God sees them, recognizing that He can change things no man can change.

What circumstance in your life seems fixed, hopeless, or futile? Imagine it in your mind, and ask God to show up there. Ask Him what to do...and even if it seems crazy, obey Him. That might be the very area of your life He has been desperately wanting to get His hands on.

"Because You Say So, I Will!"