Daily Devotional
"And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets."
Luke 5:5
Peter was a professional fisherman facing an amateur’s advice. Jesus told him to fish in deep water during daylight hours – everything Peter knew about fishing said this was pointless. Yet Peter’s response reveals the heart of faith: “At your word, I will let down the nets.” Obedience came before understanding, trust preceded results.
The Israelites faced similar moments. God’s battle strategies often defied conventional wisdom – march around a city instead of siege warfare, use trumpets instead of battering rams. Success came through trust and obedience, not through following human logic or experience.
Our Christian lives regularly present such moments. God’s Word tells us to forgive when we feel justified in anger, to give when finances are tight, to love difficult people, to choose humility over self-promotion. These commands often contradict our instincts and experience. Yet like Peter, our response should be: “At your word, Lord.”
The miracle came precisely through Peter’s obedience despite his doubts. God’s power is often revealed when we trust his word over our wisdom, his ways over our preferences. Faith acts on God’s promises even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
Today's Challenge
Where is God calling you to trust and obey even though it doesn't make sense to you right now?
Prayer
Jesus, give me Peter's heart to obey your word even when it contradicts my experience or understanding. Help me trust your wisdom over my own insights. I want to say "at your word" in every area of my life, even when your direction seems confusing or difficult. Amen.
