21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: DeeperNäide

Launching Into The Deep

Key Verse: When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2

For some of us, we may like staying where it’s safe, where things are more predictable and known. Just like where Simon was when He met Jesus - close to the shore, where the waters are calm and the effort feels manageable. But then Jesus told him to go deeper.

Going deeper meant more effort and more risk but greater reward and treasure. As Simon obeyed to go into the deep, he found more than a boat full of fish. He also had a fresh revelation of who Jesus was and found a new calling for his life (Luke 5:10b).

I once met an older lady on the train who shared how she had recently been scammed and lost a large sum of money. At that moment, it was comfortable for me to listen politely and leave when my stop came, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to stay and pray for her - something far outside my comfort zone. As I obeyed, she was moved to tears and encountered God’s peace. Though I missed my stop and drew some stares, I got to be a blessing to her and grew deeper in my faith.

Similarly for you, the deep may feel risky, and leaving our comfort zones isn’t easy. But it’s also where the greater catch is and where miracles abound.

Leaving the shores of Singapore to serve in missions overseas was scary for me. The call came at a time when I felt I was quite unprepared and ill equipped financially as well. But when I obeyed and left, I learnt that God was very faithful indeed and not only equipped me along the way but also provided for me in ways I could never anticipate.

Ready to take the plunge?

Response

• Take a moment to ask God what going deeper in God looks like for you.
• Write down one step of obedience you can take this week, no matter how small, and make a decision to obey His word.