It had been a long night. As Galilee slept, the weary fishermen toiled the midnight hours away and with the waking of the sun, they had nothing to show for their labor. They waved the white flag and the exhausted men rowed towards shore to wash their nets; the final task standing between work and coveted sleep.
As they wrangled their nets to shore, a crowd gathered. Looking up, they recognized a man named Jesus, whose reputation as a healer preceded him. This healer approached them with a rather odd request: Might He use their boat as His pulpit? Without a doubt, being agreeable was challenging after their miserable night, but this was no ordinary man. So, they pushed the boat into shallow water, delaying their precious rest.
Later, as the crowds dispersed, Jesus made another unwelcomed request of the fishermen. “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
Bless Peter! Somehow, he mustered up self-control, silencing his thoughts of, “I am tired and frustrated. My nets are now washed, and you dare ask us to start over?”
Instead, Peter found his submissive voice, replying “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at your word I will let down the net.”
Peter felt called to first recount his profitless night, as if the Savior had no knowledge of every moment of it. But, gratefully, one pivotal word followed: “nevertheless,” meaning, despite what I have told you, I will submit to your will.
Peter submitted his exhaustion, his reluctance, and his schedule to the Savior and with that submission came Peter’s reward. They caught so many fish, their nets were breaking.
The blessings of submitting to Jesus are boundless. When Peter surrendered to the Savior, not only did he witness a faith-building miracle, he was introduced to a life of worship. This miracle was greater than a gift of fish. This was a gift of faith, for those filled nets led Peter to a lifetime filled with the Gospel of Christ Jesus.
When exhaustion hits and life is hard, God’s inconvenient summons may leave us crying out, “Lord I’m tired; I’m scared; I’ve already attempted to do what you ask.”
In those inopportune moments, submitting to God takes courage. May we realize our loving Father already knows our struggles. And may we, like Peter, follow up any hesitancy with one pivotal word, “nevertheless,” changing the direction of our lives. Tighten your grip as a mighty God prepares to fill you to overflowing with the greatest gift of all; the gift of the Savior’s love.
Father God, open our hearts to following your calls even when they interrupt our plans.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane