Luke 5:5 (ESV)
And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 

This was the response of Peter when Jesus had asked him to let down his nets. Peter was a fisherman by trade. He had the expertise, and the experience but his enthusiasm quickly waned when he had spent all night fishing and hadn’t caught a single fish. Imagine putting that on your resume.

1. Acknowledge the word

Peter allowed Jesus to use his boat because he was teaching to a crowd of people that were hungry to know God. Afterwards, Jesus then tells them to let down their net. It didn’t make sense. They were the fishermen, and Jesus is just a carpenter. If anyone should know anything about fishes, it would be them.

Sometimes we think we know more than God because of our past experiences, knowledge and abilities. Despite all these things, they didn’t catch any fish. And here comes Jesus telling them what to do and how to do it.

We can learn something from Peter – be honest with the Lord. Instead of hiding his feelings and frustration, Peter was honest about. They toiled all night and they failed. It was a genuine reason that was based on facts. He along with all the other fishermen had worked hard and unfortunately, had nothing to show for it.

Jesus was aware of this, but it didn’t change the fact that there were still fishes in the sea. Maybe you’ve failed multiple times and now that God is asking you to try again, you’ve thought it’s not possible. “I’ve already done this before”. “It’s going to be the same as last time”. “I’ve tried”.

Peter fished in his own strength; it was what he did regularly. Only this time, it didn’t work. Peter acknowledged his feelings, but he also had to acknowledge the word, and who it was that was speaking.  In the same sentence Peter says,

“…But at your word I will let down the nets.” – Luke 5:5b.

It was almost as if Peter was saying, “Because you said it, I will do it.” If it was anybody else making such a suggestion, I’m sure Peter would have shut it down immediately, but because it was Jesus, it was different. Peter understood who it was, that was speaking.

The challenges that we face and the people around us can change our perspective on our situation. Sometimes our flesh speaks to us more than the word of God does. Sometimes, our own emotions and fears can lead us instead of the Holy Spirit.

Peter could have leaned on his own understanding, but he chose to submit to Jesus. Leaning on your own understanding will only get you so far. It’s the word of God that we should put our trust in. Regardless of what it looks like, what does the word of God say?

What is the word or promise that God has given to you? And are you still faithful to that word?

There are many accounts in the bible that show us that God keeps his word. As long as God said it, He will do it. It may not be in the way we expect or in the timing that we prefer, but God is still faithful to perform it.

2. Obedience is key

It’s one thing to have faith, it’s another thing to obey. To put it simply, obedience is faith in action. Peter didn’t make a confession and stop there – he lets down his net. He could have let down his net half-way or not at all. In doing so, he would have missed out on the blessing that comes from his obedience.

Luke 5:6
And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

Obedience is more than just following a bunch of rules to avoid consequences. When you think like this, it’s very easy for resentment to build up. God cares about your heart posture. Peter was most likely tired and ready to quit but he still surrendered. Your human emotions are very real, but it must surrender to the word of God.

Obedience is not something that comes naturally to us, especially when it doesn’t appeal to our flesh. God must do a work in us, to help us obey him. If we were to look back at all the times that we were obedient, it was really by his power and by his spirit, that we were able to obey him in the first place.    

‘God is working in you to make you willing and obedient’ – Philippians 2:13 (CEV)

If you’re struggling to obey God in a certain area of your life, the scripture above is something you can pray on. “Dear God, do a work in me. Please help me to be willing [desire] and obedient [discipline]”

If God is asking you to let down your net this year, will you continue to give him all the reasons why it’s not possible, or will your response be like Peter’s “…but at your word I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5b)

I pray that this would be our response in 2025. When the Lord gives us an instruction that we would obey quickly. And let’s be honest, delayed obedience is disobedience. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Obedience is the key that unlocks God’s blessings for our lives.

At Your word, I will let down the nets.

At Your word, I will follow.

At Your word, I will obey.

At Your word, I will go.

At Your word, I will ___

God bless,
Susan.