Life is full of challenges and our response to the challenge determines whether we go backward, go forward or just plain stand still. The disciples in Luke 5:4-6 had been doing what they did every night – fishing! They were professionals. When they failed to catch fish, Jesus came on the scene! The words of Jesus went contrary to their experience, wisdom and knowledge they had gained over their lifetime.
Their response was, “We have toiled all night and caught nothing.” Sometimes, we need to take inventory. If we continue to do what we have been doing and it doesn’t produce, is this the time God is asking us to throw the net on the other side of the boat? In order to do this, we have to be willing to put His command above our experience. Only common sense would say that seven feet from one side of the boat to the other wouldn’t make any difference. That is because we are looking at the distance and not considering the Word that has been given. Sometimes our education, degree, knowledge and even wisdom, defines for us what is possible and impossible.
It was so with Peter when he requested that Jesus “bid me come.” Again, for all the disciples, their wisdom, their knowledge, clearly told them it is impossible to walk on water. It was not the water that Peter responded to, it was the Word. Again and again, we need to hear what is HIS ANSWER as we approach difficult situations.
To say “NEVERTHELESS” is to say, I recognize the impossibilities. I recognize that what You are asking me to do is out of the ordinary. But inspite of that ‘NEVERTHELESS” I will obey your Word and take action. May you be filled with sufficient faith to take the next step and see what God can do.