Let me share a story from Luke 5: 1-11. Here’s the short version:
A group of men (fishermen by trade) are approached by Jesus (a carpenter by trade), who basically tells them how and where they should fish. In so doing, they catch a boat load (literally) of fish after a most unproductive night, in which they had caught nothing. It is Peter’s response which has settled deeply on my heart …
“But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again” (verse 5, NLT).
“But if you say so”. Words spoken when we are disbelieving or think otherwise. Often said as we think our actions will even disprove that which is being said. We speak them with a resignation that expects failure.
The Lord may often require of us that which may not make sense to our natural and limited minds. Perhaps we are aware of a better, or more productive, means to do the task. But it is in our obedience that our God works.
I love what John shares in verses 9 and 10 as the result of Peter’s obedience … “For he (Peter) was AWESTRUCK by the number of fish they had caught as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also AMAZED.”
Peter obeyed and he was awestruck by what had occurred. But notice, James and John were also amazed and they were in a different boat. They weren’t even in the same boat as Peter! They saw from a distance and were amazed.
It is as we are obedient and follow the Lord’s lead that He will work in ways which will fill us with awe. And He will amaze those who will watch our lives from a distance. Awestruck and amazed, may all our responses be the same …
“And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.”
(verse 11)
Today I am joining … Unite and Testimony Tuesday and True Story and Intentional Tuesday .
Joanne, that post had such great spiritual insight and encouragement. I love how you bring out their humanity in how you explain the verses. Great post! Loved it!
~Sherry Stahl via the #IntentionalTuesday #Linkup
It is so easy to overlook the fact that the disciples were as human as us. The had choices to make (as we do), which impacted many. Thank you for encouraging me this morning with your comment! Blessings!
Isn’t that the way we are at times, when we pray for something and then God answers and we are awestruck (can’t believe it.) Thank you for sharing your awesome post with us here at Tell me a Story.
It’s so true. And yet, every time His answer shows us the heart of the Father. May we always be awed by our Lord.