Listening Isn't Easy!

Luke 5:4-7 – When [Jesus] finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Push the boat out further in the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch."
"Master," Simon answered, "we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will let down the nets." They let them down and caught such a large number of fish that the nets were about to break. So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full of fish that the boats were about to sink. (Good News Bible)

"I've tried that and it doesn't work!" Has that ever been a reply to you when you're trying to brainstorm or just to make a helpful suggestion? There are many putdowns or cutoffs. Some people who do that are seemingly everywhere, even in churches! Most are well meaning, as Simon was when he said, "We worked hard all night and caught nothing." Simon was tired and didn't feel like doing anything more…especially something he had just tried! A thought might even have gone through his head, "Hey, this guy isn't even a seasoned fisherman like me. Where does he get off telling me what to do?"

However Simon did go on to say, "But if you say so, I will." I think that might be the key. Simon did what Jesus asked. Simon had faith and obedience!

Prayer: Forgive me when I don't listen for your voice when I hear someone suggest something. Give me faith and obedience like Simon's. Help me go willingly where you want me to go and do willingly what you would have me do. Amen.