Finding God’s Best Beyond Obedience
The Setback: A Fisherman’s Nightmare 🎣
Imagine this: Simon Peter and Andrew, seasoned fishermen, toiled all night and caught nothing. In their world, that’s a disaster! Setbacks hit us too—missed promotions, failed projects, or dry seasons. But then Jesus steps in.
After using their boat to preach, Jesus turns to them with a wild command:
“Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4 ESV).
Wait—what? They’d just fished all night with zero results. Going deeper sounded crazy, risky, and illogical. Sound familiar? Maybe God’s nudging you to do something that doesn’t add up financially, relationally, or emotionally. 😬
The Obedience: A Leap of Faith 🚀
Here’s where it gets good. Simon’s response?
“‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But at your word I will let down the nets’” (Luke 5:5 ESV).
He didn’t argue or overthink it. He obeyed—because God said so. Not because it was smart or popular, but because faith trumped fear. Why did Jesus push them deeper? That’s where the big fish swim—and where real faith kicks in. No risk, no reward! 🌊
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV).
The Reward: Overflowing Blessings 🎉
Obedience paid off BIG time. The Bible says:
“And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking” (Luke 5:6 ESV).
Their nets tore, and they needed help from other boats! God turned their setback into a miracle catch. But here’s the kicker: none of it happened until Simon obeyed, even when it made no sense.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 ESV).
Your Turn: What’s God Asking You? 🤔
So, what’s God whispering to you that feels impossible? A career shift? A tough conversation? A financial leap? Maybe He’s calling you into the deep water—where it’s scary but where His best waits.
You’ve got two choices:
- Stay in the shallow end (safe but stagnant).
- Dive into the deep (risky but rewarding).
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV).
Once you obey, God handles the rest. Your breakthrough is on the other side of your “yes”! 🙌
Talk About It 💬
- When a setback hits, is it easier or harder to obey God’s tough calls? Why?
- Why might God ask you to take risks during a struggle?
- What’s one thing God’s asked you to do that you’re hesitating on?
Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s encourage each other! 👇
Take the Leap Today! 🏃♂️
Don’t wait. Obey today, even if it feels foolish. God’s best—peace, provision, purpose—is waiting beyond your obedience. Trust Him, step out, and watch Him work!
Prayer 🙏
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect plans, even when they don’t make sense to us. Give us the courage to obey, even in our setbacks. Help us trust You in the deep waters, knowing Your blessings await. Guide us, strengthen us, and show us Your best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.