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

Luke 5:5 ESV

Many of may be grew up in church, hearing the Word of God, or being raised in families that spoke about Jesus day and night. Yet when God instructs us to do something, many times we hesitate. Fear, uncertainty, or even too much knowledge in a particular area can cause us to resist His instruction.

But Scripture teaches us to lay down our self-intuition in exchange for a harvest of blessings.

In this passage, many people were gathered, waiting to hear Jesus speak. Peter was washing his nets after toiling all night, having caught nothing. Though exhausted and disappointed, his night had produced no results.

Jesus asked Simon to take Him a little farther from the shore. He sat in the boat and taught the crowd. When Jesus finished preaching, He instructed Simon to put out into deep water and lower the nets.

Simon responded honestly: they had worked all night, were weary, and caught nothing. Yet on the ground of Jesus’ word, he chose to obey.

When Simon lowered the nets, he caught such a great number of fish that the nets began to break, and he had to call for help.

At the word of Jesus, an assignment moved from emptiness to fulfillment.

Simon was a professional fisherman—skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable. He knew when and where to cast nets. He was fully aware that the place Jesus asked him to fish was the same place where he had labored all night without success. Logically, trying again seemed like a waste of time.

Yet Simon laid aside his expertise and took Jesus’ word seriously—placing it above his own understanding and professional knowledge. His obedience was not in vain.

Simon was not disappointed for believing and moving in faith. He not only lowered his nets, but also lowered his “I know” attitude, and that humility led to a breakthrough beyond measure.

The Word of God encourages us that in seasons of exhaustion, empty labor, and fruitless effort, the voice of God will satisfy us from the inside out.

Jesus alone can make the impossible possible. He calls life into emptiness, fills it with peace and joy, and transforms barren situations into favorable ones.

In any area of your life where God instructs you to lower your net—do not hesitate, or you may miss a great harvest of blessing. There are moments in the Kingdom of God when obedience may make us look foolish, but the wisdom of God always produces results.

There is no history of disappointment in trusting Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to lay down my understanding and trust Your word above my own knowledge. Give me the grace to obey, even when it doesn’t make sense. Teach me to lower my nets in faith, knowing that You alone turn emptiness into abundance. Amen.