Truth Speak – 10/13/04 

The Joy of Surrender 

[And when Jesus had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”  And Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets.”  And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break… -Luke 5:4-6] 

I think that many of us can relate to Simon Peter as Jesus spoke these words to him.  Here he was doing that which was his vocation – his earthly calling – and he was working hard at it.  He had been working all night and had been unsuccessful in his labor.  He was ready to call it a night. Go home, have a nice meal, relax and sleep off the frustration.  He might have been thinking to himself that maybe tomorrow would be a better day.   

However, Jesus had something better for Peter that very day for today was not done. 

Imagine what could have gone through Peter’s mind when Jesus told him to let his nets down for a catch. “I’m tired and I want to go home.”  “What would you know, you’re not a fisherman.”  “Are you crazy, there are no fish to be caught!”  “If you want some fish, catch them yourself.  I’m out of here.” 

But none of these thoughts/reactions went through his mind (at least he didn’t respond according to them).  No, his response would put many of us to shame.  His was a response of surrender and submission to One who was greater than him.  “At Your bidding (word) I will…”!  O, what a response!  Though His flesh may have been tempted to react according to it, he didn’t.  Instead, his spirit responded in a way that is appropriate for one who is under authority.  “I will.”  Whatever you tell me to do Lord I will do it.  Though I am tired, weak and weary I will do what You say.  You know what is best Lord and Your word I will obey. 

And what happen as a result?  An abundance of fish!  If Peter had rebelled and refused to obey the Lord’s word he would have never received the blessing.  Peter didn’t give up to the circumstances around him he gave in to the Lord who was over him and as a result he experienced the joy of surrender. 

Brethren, let us not give up in the work which God has called us to do.  The blessing is ahead and is not out of reach – we just need to keep on keeping on.  At the Lord’s bidding keep going, keep obeying, and keep pursuing His will, His work, His way.  At that moment when you feel like giving up that is when you need to give in to the Lord.  His word will guide you, His grace will strengthen you, and His joy will fill you as you surrender to Him. 

By God’s Grace, Through God’s Word, For God’s Glory! 

Chuck Long 

"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ" -Eph.4:15