But 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."
Luke 5:5
Jesus told Simon Peter to let down his net. But they had been fishing all night and had caught nothing and he told the Lord as much. Peter must have been exhausted and discouraged and may have even wanted to quit. But he didn't argue with the Lord. Instead he said, "Nevertheless, at your word I will let down the net." And because he obeyed blindly--- not because he believed that this time he would be successful, but because Jesus told him to---they pulled up a net overflowing with fish that it almost broke.
Our best efforts can lead to empty nets. But obedience can bring success beyond our wildest dreams. There were years in my own ministry where I threw out nets and brought back nothing. But when the Lord purposed to fill the nets, they were suddenly filled to overflowing. It had nothing to do with my own abilites or my own power. It happened simply because God purposed it. And all the glory goes to Him.
God's command may seem contrary to your logic. But if you listen for direction and act in obedience, you will find the difference between failure and success. "Nevertheless, at Your word I will do it. "Let those be words we live by.
Father, make us such obedient children that at the slightest whisper from You, we act. Teach us to trust Your voice over our own and the voice of doubt from the enemy. In Jesus name. Amen!
by Pastor Chuck Smith
