There Is Abundance In Obedience
“Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net.” – Luke 5:5, NKJV
Has God ever asked you to do something, and you’re like, Lord, I’ve already tried that, but if You say so, I’ll try again?
This reaction was the exact sentiment Simon Peter expressed when Jesus asked him to cast his net again. “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” (Luke 5:5, MSG)
“It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity.” (Luke 5:6, MSG)
It’s said, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) But what did Simon Peter have to sacrifice? It was Jesus who owed him. For you see, Jesus used Peter’s boat as a pulpit to teach the people, so, when you think about it, Jesus owed Peter a rental fee.
Nevertheless, Peter’s sacrifice would have been in his disobedience. If he had not followed the Master’s instructions, he would not have caught the catch of a lifetime.
You see, Peter was an experienced fisherman. He knew the trade very well. So, when Jesus told him to launch out into the deep and cast his net again, Peter’s instincts and experience kicked in, but they were no match to the power of an almighty, all-knowing, miraculous God. And so, Simon Peter took Jesus at His word and experienced the exceedingly and the abundantly.
Now, John’s account of this event says Jesus told the men to cast the net on the right side of the boat. David proclaimed in Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Jesus’s words led Peter and his partners down a path to abundant life. It was the right side of the boat that brought them pleasure, but they decided to give everything up and follow the one who could give eternal joy.
In this season, God is looking for this same kind of obedience, for our obedience will lead to advancement. Our obedience will open doors to unprecedented places — places we’ve never been or experienced before. In some cases, it will be the foolish things of this world that will confound the wise. (1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV) The miraculous will not happen because of our intellect, nor will it happen by one’s position in society. Our abundance in this life will come to fruition by the sovereign hand of God.
In 1984, the Marines had a PSA (Public Service Announcement). We’re looking for a few good men.
Well, the Father is looking for a few good men and women who will obey without hesitation the first time He speaks.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads, “To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:”
“Obedience is on a timer. If you don’t move at that time, the window or door closes.” — Dr. Dharius Daniels
I say, then, you must wait for the next cycle to come around before you can redeem the missed opportunity.
My challenge for you this week is to walk in total obedience to God. No matter how foolish or how strange His instructions may sound, be obedient to Him the first time.
A delayed reaction is the same as no reaction — disobedience.
In addition, I encourage you to take God at His word and reap the abundance of an obedient servant. Then watch Him carry you from one realm of glory to the next.
Join me next week for more Coffee on The Couch.
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