Lowering your nets…
(Response to Bible Study "When women say Yes to God"
(Response to Bible Study "When women say Yes to God"
Simon's response to Jesus request to "let down the nets
for a catch" is very similar to my response when I feel Jesus is asking me
to do something. Simon's first response in Luke 5:5--Master, we 've worked hard
all night and haven't caught anything. I can't count how many times I have
countered Jesus' request with excuses such as Simon's first response--we've
worked hard all night, or I am too tired to do this, or I have too much to do,
or I am sure that won't work or surely it won't matter if I don't do this. My list of excuses can be endless.
Even though Simon is skeptical and tired he continues by
responding with ---"BUT because you
say so, I will let down the nets." Wow--I
can learn so much from Simon's follow up with those powerful words. I equate letting down the nets like Simon to
getting out of my comfort zone or acting without regard to the world's
expectations when it comes to responding to Jesus' direction in my life.
What little thing is Jesus asking of me today and everyday?
He is asking me to be less focused on myself and more focused on others. I often find myself so intent on my goals for the day that I never
engage with the people I encounter at the grocery store, or airport or
anywhere else. I am fixated on finishing
my task at hand without seeing the needs of others. Jesus is asking me to slow down and look
beyond my busyness to see people and share a smile or a few nice words. This simple act of widening my vision to see
the people around me has caused me to be overwhelmed at the changes in myself. This little act has allowed Jesus to mold me
into the person He desires. This little
act has opened the door for conversations and friendships and possibilities I
never dreamed!
