Into the Deep Water

Before Jesus invited Peter to walk on water, he gave him a more straightforward challenge.

In Luke 5, Jesus told Peter to change things up. Stop working the same way, and work outside of your comfort zone. Change the status quo. Put out into the deep water.

Peter feared the deep — where are you afraid of where God wants you to go?

How do you respond when Jesus calls you to leave the safety of the shore and go into the deep water of life?

When God tells you that he created us to do good works, we must also keep this in mind:

“I will instruct you.
I will teach you the way that you should go.
I will advise you as my eyes watch over you.” – Psalm 32:8 GW

We’re often so short-sighted in our faith. Peter worked hard all night and caught nothing. Did he push off from the shore after sitting in the Savior’s presence with little expectation of different results?

When you work hard and don’t experience the results you anticipate, how do you respond when the Lord says, “Try it this way”?

Why would Peter continue to work the same way as he had in the past when it didn’t produce results?

What did Peter’s coworkers think as he led them into possible danger? What was Peter expecting?

The next time Peter was out in deep water (in Matthew 14), he could have been satisfied with walking on water, yet gave in to his fear.

Remember this: In both of these stories from Peter's life, Jesus was present in the boat or on the water. He invites us to put out into the deep, walk on water, and experience abundant life.

Step out of the boat with courage and in faith.

Abundant life begins with an empty net.

Ask yourself:

Am I reluctant to change the way I work because I am afraid I might succeed?

For reflection:

The phrase "Duc in Altum" means "Put out into the deep" in Latin, originating from Jesus' challenge to Peter in Luke 5:4.

"Duc in Altum" calls us beyond the comfortable shallows into God's deeper purposes, where obedience to Christ's voice yields miraculous provision despite our doubts.

Lord, I know my faith is a celebration! Don’t let me expect less when Jesus offers abundance in my walk with him and the freedom to go where he leads. Amen.