Try Again: Because You Said So!
Luke 5
KJV
5+ And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
On reading this incident two important lessons stood out!
Like many, I have faced challenges that nearly brought me down! I have encountered frustrations and disappointments in life ( and still do!); but the ‘whispers’ of a few placed my feet firmly on the ground.
My story, like yours, is not different from that of Peter, Can you imagine the frustrations and disappointments with which he uttered these words?
Luke 5:5
NIV
[5] Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Experienced as he was in the art of fishing, he caught nothing! Experienced as we may be yet our endeavors/efforts show no sign of progress. But when someone whispered words of hope victory was ours to claim.
Yes, beloved “because you said so “ many a frustrated and a disappointed, can stand on their feet.
Let me be personal here, when I first put pen to paper to write articles, I came under a barrage of ‘attacks’ from some who thought they were my target of writing!
Such were the ‘attacks’ that I almost gave up! I announced that effect at a general meeting! As soon as I took my seat two men stood up to say how beneficial my articles are to them.
It is to these two men that I owe my perseverance in writing over the years. We need friends who will speak to us Words of encouragement. Unfortunately, these are a few apart. On the contrary, it is the opposite that abounds!
Jesus spoke encouraging words to Peter which resulted in success; read it
Luke 5:6
NIV
[6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Many potential, gifted etc persons whose contributions be it secular or spiritual that can change the course of history and make life better for many are unable to step out because of the negative, discouraging voices that surround them. The impossibility thinkers!
May we learn to speak words of encouragement to those who are undertaking tasks that will bring hope to us.
The second important lesson Peter’s response and subsequent actions teach us is the need to be discerning and flexible.
Peter knew who Jesus was so he was willing to act on his directive. Some in his shoes would have turned down His directive. These will say “ We ( experts ) have toiled all night catching nothing; who are you and what do you know about fishing?”
Oh, we hear this said to many today. “Who are you to say this or that ??”I like the word Peter used” Nevertheless” Yes, nevertheless, regardless of who or what “ I will give it a try”.
Come to think of it, Jesus did not say anything Peter didn’t know.
Read it ;
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
The context seems to suggest that Peter and his crew had earlier gone on a fishing expedition which resulted in nothing. So they berthed their boats and washed their nets.
Read it ;
Luke 5:2-3
NIV
[2] He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
[3] He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.
The earlier expedition brought nothing but disappointment, this explains the reason Peter said what he said. He initially doubted, he is human just like us.
But he quickly discerned and was flexible in thought and decision. Here is where he puts many of us to shame probably including you!
Dear reader be discerning and flexible in life After all you lose nothing by giving a suggestion a trial!
Discernment and flexibility are signs of growth and maturity, whereas fanaticism is a sign of the opposite.
Come to think of it Jesus did not say anything strange or new. Peter knew and understood what he suggested.
Read it ;
Luke 5:4
NIV
[4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
“Deep Water Oooh” that was what he suggested to Peter. Something Peter knew from experience but probably overlooked.
How many times have we not been reminded of something we knew but overlooked which is key to our succeeding in an undertaking?
Is this not what is meant by “ Sankofa ?”
These two lessons I learnt from reading this incident which I share with you I hope it helps!
- If you have nothing positive to say keep quiet.
- Be discerning and flexible in thought and decisions. You may have the monopoly over some form of knowledge ( speciality ) but certainly not over WISDOM! .
John Franklin Tamakloe