From Now On

But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
Luke 5:5-6 (NKJV)

It had been a disappointing night for Peter, Andrew, James, and John, because they had absolutely nothing to show for an all-night fishing expedition. We’re not talking about fishing as a hobby; we’re talking about fishing as a means to take care of one’s family. Not one fish was caught, and these men have returned to shore with empty boats, exhausted and discouraged.

Then Jesus approaches and tells Peter, “Push out a little more from the shore. In fact, go out into the deep and let down your net for a catch.” Peter has to be thinking to himself, “How much can this guy really know about fishing?” So he responds to Jesus, “We were out there all night, Jesus, and we caught not one single fish, but because You’ve asked me to, I’ll oblige You. I’ll comply with Your request.”

Well, as soon as Peter and Andrew cast their nets into the water, they realized that they were in for quite a spiritual surprise. In fact, they had to bid James and John to come help them pull in all the fish. And it’s at that moment that Peter knows he’s let his doubts and his experiences force him into an initial response that limited his belief in the impossible. Peter drops to his knees with personal regret. He makes his confession of shame. He reveals that he thinks he’s not even worth Jesus being in his proximity. And Jesus ministers to him in a way that I think every one of us needs to celebrate.

“Simon, don’t be ashamed. I’m not rebuking you for who you have been up until now. That’s why you responded the way you did. All you’ve had to go on are your life experiences up till now. But from now on I’m going to teach you how to fish for men.”

That phrase “from now on” is what God is saying to you today. “From now on, I’m going to stretch you and I’m going to grow you. I’m going to pull on you, I’m going to push you, I’m going to challenge you. I’m going to embolden you in the face of difficult circumstances. Your responses, from now on, are going to be much more faith-infused than doubt-strained.”

Will you allow God to elevate your faith to next level, from now on?