Have you ever been given an assignment that seems beyond your ability? Maybe you’ve been told to do something that doesn’t make sense to you. One of Jesus’ disciples, Simon Peter, had such an experience. Peter and his friends had been out fishing all night and the next morning Jesus was teaching the people.

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter responded, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:4-7)

Jesus’ command to Simon Peter probably did not make much sense, Peter was the experienced fisherman and Jesus was the teacher – what did He know about fishing? What do you think Simon Peter’s response was after the great catch of fish?

But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)

Simon Peter experienced what could be called a defining moment. He realized that Jesus was no ordinary man. He realized that Jesus not only knows the location of the fish, but He also knows the depths of my heart. A defining moment is an experience that is so significant that it changes how you see the world. There are several characteristics of a defining moment:

1. A defining moment often involves a challenge. It is introduced by a unique situation that will force you to get out of your comfort zone. Jesus told Peter to go out to the deep water. Why – because that’s where you will find the fish. Is God calling you to get out of your comfort zone and launch out into the deep?

2. A defining moment provides with you with a fresh insight. You will encounter a paradigm shift in your thinking that enables you to have a new perspective. Peter realized Jesus was no ordinary man.

3. A defining moment results in a profound change in your life. You are not the same after that experience. After that experience the Bible records,

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

Did you catch the significance of that verse? They left everything and followed Jesus! What is an assignment you’re facing that seems beyond your ability or doesn’t seem to make sense? What does it mean for you to “put out into the deep”?

Take some time and reflect on some of the defining moments of your life. We can become so busy that we fail to  learn the lessons that God has been teaching us. When you experience a defining moment, you can define the moment as the moment defines you. Vance Havner reminds us, “Don’t miss your miracle!”

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5