You know that annoying feeling when someone tries to explain something you already know?
In Luke 5 Jesus asks Simon to put his boat deeper into the sea and lower his nets. Simon had already tried without success. I don't know about you, but if I were Simon I'd tell Jesus to quit playing. Can you imagine the audacity of a carpenter to tell a professional fisherman how to fish?! Honestly, I'd probably roll my eyes and take some time to explain how fishing really works.
I’ve been traveling this last month or so for trainings that have laid the foundation for ministry. They’ve been great and I’ve learned so much. However, I found myself with an attitude of entitlement as I started wading through the hard questions. I’ve had the front row seat to support raising and training, shouldn’t I be considered an expert by now? Not quite.
Keep reading the story. Simon’s response to Jesus’ request is not “Let’s let the pros do their job”. No, it’s “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” Wait, What? He trusts Him and acts in faith. They catch so many fish that they fill another boat and they both get so heavy they start to sink!
Talk about reality check. It’s not always going to make sense and that’s okay. Father is asking me to go deeper and lay my nets down. This requires trust. I want to give it all with my hands open and this means saying, “Jesus, I’ve worked so hard. I have already made so many sacrifices and you’re asking for more? Okay. I trust you”
I would challenge you to think of the nets Jesus is asking you to lay down. Who knows, maybe there are fish on the other side waiting for you.