Lowering Our Nets Anyway

I skipped class, curled up in my flannel sheets, and consoled my despair with a latte when the Lord put today’s Gospel (Luke 5:1-11) on my heart.

One thing that stung about my break-up was the amount of work I felt I had put into the relationship, and how none of it seemed to matter now. All the months of posturing, orchestrating, and pining only led to this tired, empty-handed moment of disappointment.

I thought, "Lord, how could this have happened? I did all the right things."

"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets" (Luke 5:5).

I wept reading Saint Peter’s response that morning. I could hear the deep frustrations of my own heart echoed in his words.

Lower my nets for a catch? Don’t you understand that I have been here all night? Don’t you see how hard I have worked? Don’t you see my exhaustion?

Still, Peter lowers the nets, and they are so overwhelmed with fish they begin to tear.

Just when I begin to think the Lord does not truly see my worries and disappointments, I am reminded He understands me perfectly. When I start to think maybe He will not come through for me, He shows up for me in generosity and abundance. When I allow myself to think there is no other way, He makes a way.

Sister, what would it look like for you and I to put out into deep water, even when we have been staring at the empty net all night? How would our worship change if we remembered that Peter walks back to the shore with more than he ever could have asked for?

Today, I invite you to press into the reality of a Jesus Who is actually that loyal.

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Jesus, we thank You for being the One Who always shows up for us, knows what we need before we do, provides with perfect abundance. Cover us in grace so that we could respond to Your call in obedience and trust.