1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)
As I read these verses today, I had an epiphany. I act just like Peter in this story. It goes something like this.
I have been working hard. I’m tired and I want to go somewhere and sit by myself and not talk to anyone. Something comes up and I hear God say “Go. I have something for you to do.” I reply “God, I’m tired. Can’t you see how hard I’ve been working? I want to stay home.” Pause. “OK. I’ll go but only because you said to.”
I go. I experience the most amazing conversation with someone who wants to know God more. I am elated. I am so happy I went because I got to experience Jesus in the middle of my circumstances. I praise God and am humbled at the same time. My heart drops to a prostrate position and I am overwhelmed.
I am overwhelmed because that conversation where someone wanted to know more about God has just set me up to share that. I feel completely inadequate at this moment. How can I possibly do that and get it right? Can anyone truly share that in such a way that glorifies God as he deserves? I get scared.
And God say “It’s OK. I am here. This is not you but me working. Don’t be afraid.” And even though I am still scared, I go. Because fishing with God is way better than anything else I had planned.