Has Jesus ever asked you to do something that did not make sense to you? That was the situation that the Apostle Peter (Simon) experienced. He and his companions had fished all night and had caught nothing. They were tired and probably frustrated as they were washing their nets and listening to Jesus teach. Jesus then told them to do a task that made no sense to them:

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)

The tenor of Jesus’ command implied that they were do it at once. Peter complied because he acknowledged Jesus not only as his teacher, but also his master:

Simon responded and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)

Peter put out into the deep and let down the nets. There are times in our lives when Jesus asks us to put out into the deep. It may not make sense to us, but that’s where the miracle happens:

And when they had done this, they caught a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to tear; (Luke 5:6)

This was a defining moment in the lives of the disciples. What are the characteristics of a defining moment? First, we see that a defining moment challenges us to get out of our comfort zones. Our comfort zones are safe, but that’s not where the growth occurs. Peter had to put out into the deep. How is God challenging you to get out of your comfort zone?

Next, we see that a defining moment changes our perspective. Peter had a new perception of Jesus:

But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; (Luke 5:8-9)

These men realized that Jesus not only knew where the fish were, but He knew the inner recesses of their hearts. The amazing truth is that God knows everything about us and He loves us in spite of who we are!

Finally, a defining moment creates a profound change in our lives. Jesus gave them a new mission and vision for their lives, “Do not fear; from now on you will be catching people.” Their lives would be forever changed:

When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. (Luke 5:11)

What great challenge is God asking of you? The first step is putting out into the deep, getting out of your comfort zone and stepping into the unknown. Don’t miss you miracle. John Greenleaf Whittier reminds us, “For of all sad words of tongue or pen the saddest are these ‘It might have been.’”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5