lower your nets

What are some of the “things” that would hinder us from obeying God fully?

I know that some of my hindrances may be fear of looking stupid, fear of the unknown results, my own self-doubt, or maybe even the lies other people have spoken over me. It’s a tough balance to have the deepest desire of my heart be to OBEY God at all costs and to also weigh up my own selfish desires and ideas.

I don’t want to keep them in balance actually. I want to be SOLD OUT. 

There is a scripture in Luke 5:5 where Simon is speaking with Jesus. Basically the short version of the story is these expert fishermen had been fishing and casting their nets the entire night with absolute minimal success. Then Jesus, a carpenter, comes to them and says that they should go out into the deep water and lower their nets for a catch. Simon’s response here is the most honest and beautiful depiction of surrender. He says, “Master we have worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. BUT BECAUSE YOU SAY SO, I will let down the nets.” Simon did not understand the logic or the reasoning behind this, BUT he was willing to obey. I can imagine him almost shaking his head not believing fully or doubting the words Jesus spoke, BUT he did it. He let go of his pride and own way of doing things and JUST FOLLOWED, just obeyed.

What areas in your life is God asking you to “lower your nets”? Maybe you are trying to do things in your own logic and understanding and God is trying to help you SEE that He is the One who knows best. Or maybe you are struggling with stepping out in faith for a big “gift” God has for you, and He is waiting with anticipation for you to just obey and do it!

I don’t know where you are at, but I can imagine that God is asking you in at least one area of your life to “lower your net”. I know He is asking me. To trust Him for something BIG, something better, and something that is OF HIM. Will you be like Simon and have your response be “but because You say so…”?

There is a risk when we obey God. But the beautiful thing about the heart of God is that every good and PEFECT gift comes from Him, who never changes. (James 1:17)