
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
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. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
Luke 5:1-11
If you stay in shallow water, you will remain shallow. Jesus invited the disciples into a deeper place. He challenged their conventional way of thinking and prepared them to receive more than they could have ever imagined. He showed up in the midst of their failure and frustration and opened up a new dimension of blessing and favor.
Despite how you may feel, God has a great plan for your life. But, in order to experience more, you must be willing to leave the comfort zone of your flesh and make your way away from the shore and into deeper waters. It will cause discomfort. It may even be a little scary. But it’s the only way you’ll ever experience the more you’re made for. Their miracle didn’t manifest until they ventured into deeper waters. What awaits you in the deeper places of God?
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