Let Down Your Nets

Sam Yeakle Life Devotions

When He had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.LUKE 5:4 NKJV

In this story of Luke chapter 5:1-11 we find these powerful verses that we need to apply to our own lives in this season.  Jesus did the majority of His preaching, teaching, and reaching out by taking His message to the people where they were.  Here we find Jesus going right into the work place to the fishermen and preaching to them from their very own boat. Just remember Jesus is able to come to your workplace, too.  By His Holy Spirit He can speak to you just the same way he spoke to the fishermen here.  Then He said, “launch out into the deep waters and cast your nets.” and they brought in more fish than they had ever caught before. (theologians say it was about 2 tons).  Then Jesus said, “that’s nothing, follow me and I will make you fishers’ of men!” (my paraphrase).

God has something special and unique for each and every one of us if we will just reach out and grab it.  Most of the time it is launching out into the deep.  Or maybe just putting our toe in the water first.  But when we launch out into the deep, we are able to claim territory we are not comfortable in, or in other words getting out of our comfort zone.  Many times, it has us doing things we just aren’t capable of doing, but with God all things are possible.  Are you ready to launch out into the deep?  Are you ready to let God use you?

When (Simon) Peter heard the instructions to go out into the deep, he questioned it at first and then after realizing who it was telling him that, he replied, “…nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5 NKJV.  When Jesus spoke, (Simon) Peter listened and acted.  Even though he questioned, he did not let that hinder his obedience to the Master.

Peter listened and then acted.  We need to listen and then act!

I recently heard two things that stirred conviction in my heart.  Pastor Jeff Reecer said, “If the Gospel hasn’t touched anyone through you then it hasn’t touched you.”  I am thankful for the gospel for it is the power of God that saved me.  Even though I was young when I first accepted what Christ did for me in dying for my sins, I had to be reminded often.  This is the reason for communion, to teach us to remember and reflect on our salvation.  It is something we can and should do often.  It is not just a doctrine of the church to be done at church, but can be taken by any believer at home or anywhere.

Pastor Eddie Berry said, “We pray for God to give us opportunities to share with others, but if we intentionally go out, God will give us opportunities.” If we are prepared to share our faith and have lived a Christ-like life in front of those we see often, God will move by His Spirit and open doors of opportunity for us to share and pray with others.  When you hear the scripture in Galatians 6:9 AMPC which says, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”  Remember we are on the Lord’s side and as a confident army we should always be on the offense and never in defense.  We should never stop sharing our faith until every one hears the gospel.  If we are willing to launch out and “let down our nets” we will advance the kingdom of God and see the nets full of a great catch!

Pray This…

Lord, let me hear your voice. Teach me to follow you and launch out even to the deep. Teach me to go beyond my comfort zone. Remind me of the day the gospel touched me that I might touch others. Teach me to listen to those around me and respond with the hope that is within me. Strengthen my faith that I might strengthen others until all the world may have the opportunity to both see and hear the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.IN JESUS NAME! AMEN!

Are you keeping up with devotions?

Please check all items that apply.