Meditation

Read Luke 5:1-11 —Luke 5:5 (NIV)

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Simon Peter had spent the entire night fishing with no results when Jesus approached him and told him to get back into his boat and put his nets out in deep water. Fishing was Peter’s job and he had just had a bad night at work. He was probably tired and frustrated and now here comes somebody who’s not even a fisherman telling him how to fish—on the very waters where he had just spent the whole night without catching anything. Peter could have ignored Jesus; he could have shouted an angry response; he could have come up with a dozen reasons to say no. But instead he did what Jesus asked him to do.

Peter not only ended up with a net full of fish, but he took his first step toward a life of incredible faith, a life where he began to fish for people. When we receive an opportunity to serve the Lord, sometimes it may feel as if the opportunity is beyond our abilities. Or perhaps our first reaction may be that it doesn’t make sense for us. But listening for God’s direction and then following to serve in faith, even when we initially have doubts, is how we grow as followers of Christ.

Prayer—God, our guide, give us hearts to listen and wisdom to discern your calling to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thought for the day—In what new way is God calling me to serve?

John D. Brown (Minnesota)