Let down your nets
"One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking." Luke 5:1-7
Have you ever been called to do something you believed totally out of your power to accomplish? Most of us would probably answer with a resounding YES! to that question. Things like that seem to etch themselves into our memory banks. I know running but I also know my limitations and weaknesses. As much as I want to follow Christ with my whole heart and without doubting Him for a moment, I oftentimes find myself feeling like Peter, aka Simon. He knew fishing-he was a fisherman. It was his life, his livelihood and the only thing he knew. So when Jesus told him to let down his nets, Peter instinctively lost sight of who Jesus was and doubted Him. All Peter knew was that the previous attempt was unsuccessful and "common sense" and his past experiences told him that this would never work. It wasn't the right time of day, the right place or the right area he was probably thinking. Oh my, aren't we the same? As much as we want to have total faith, we still look at earthly obstacles as if God can't move a mountain or change our circumstances at will.
So many times when I felt called to be a witness at a certain race or place, I would question my ability and capability-as if I were the one to determine any of that in my life. I'd feel I didn't train enough, it would be too hot, I won't get enough sleep, I'm injured (the nagging thoughts go on). And like Simon Peter, I have been so overcome with humility, awe and wonder at the power of God's strength revealed, I have fallen to my knees in shame and remorse at my lack of faith. It's at those times that I am so grateful to serve a Savior who convicts rather than condemns...forgiving us for doubting while reminding us of our purpose.
"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus." Luke 5:8-11
Is God calling you to do something today that you feel you could never accomplish? Are you afraid of venturing out into deep waters? Maybe it's time to "let down your nets and catch some fish"? He knows you, he knows what you're capable of. "Don't be afraid" to follow Jesus.
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the strength to do Your will when the world and our flesh says it can't be done. Help us to remember that we can do "all things through Christ who gives us strength." Give us courage to let down our nets and be fishers of men. In Your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Where you go I'll go-Chris Tomlin
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