21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: DeeperNäide

Faith Over Facts

Key Verse: 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.” “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.” - Luke 5:4-5

It just doesn’t make any sense at all.

• How could 5 loaves and 2 fish feed over 5000 men?
• How could a young boy with stones and a sling bring down a formidable giant warrior?
• How could 3 young men be thrown into a fiery furnace and emerge unharmed?
• How could Lazarus be dead and buried in a tomb and walk out of it after 4 days?
• How could a man walk on water?

Faith supersedes the laws of logic and science.

When Jesus told Simon to let down his nets again, it didn’t make much sense. He had already done everything right based on years of fishing experience. After a long night of coming up empty, the logical response would have been to pack up and call it a day.

But Simon made a decision to trust Jesus instead of defaulting to what he knew, saying , “But if You say so, I will let down the nets.”.

That moment wasn’t just about catching fish, it was about choosing to trust Jesus’ word over his own understanding and experience. Simon leaned into the authority and hope that came with Jesus’ word as He spoke and Simon responded by taking a big step of faith.

A “but if You say so” kind of faith chooses obedience over a default response. It’s putting aside disappointment and doubt, and believing that God’s word is trustworthy.

Are you facing a challenging health report or financial situation? Are you needing to step out of the boat into unchartered territory? Today let’s believe what God has said to us. Take this opportunity to put your faith in God’s promises. Place your hope in His word. You will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23)!

Response

What is the Holy Spirit calling you to in this season? What steps of faith is He prompting you to take? Commit today to choose obedience, even when it doesn’t make sense.