One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:1-6 (NLT)
I’m sure it had been a frustrating night. These men, professional fishermen, had been on the water all night, working, fishing. And yet, they had caught nothing.
Along comes Jesus, a carpenter. What did he know about fishing? And yet, he gave them a command to put out into deep water and let down their nets.
His command made no sense to the professional fishermen. And yet, Peter responded: "Because you say so, I will…"
Why was Peter willing to express such complete faith, obedience, even when it made no sense? Why should he obey a man that he hardly knew, a man that knew nothing about fishing (remember, this was before they were called to be disciples)? Why was Peter willing to walk in complete and immediate obedience to this man who was sitting in a boat, teaching?
Perhaps Peter had heard stories of the blind seeing, the lame walking, the sick being healed. Perhaps he had listened to Jesus's teaching and sensed something different. Perhaps God quickened his spirit to reveal Jesus's true identity. Perhaps it was just an expression of respect for this fascinating teacher.
I don't know why Peter chose to obey Jesus that morning, but I'm so glad he did. "Because you say so, I will…" No questions asked. No hesitation. No arguing over why it made no sense. Only complete surrender. Total obedience. An immediate reaction.
Of course, Jesus came through when Peter acted in obedience. He caught so many fish that he needed help to haul them in. And, he fell down in honor, overwhelmed, recognizing his own sinfulness (vv 8-9).
It’s hard to believe that Peter had such faith, such obedience, even before walking daily with Christ. I find myself wondering if I would have the same reaction, if I would walk in faith the way Peter did. After all, I have walked with my Savior all of my life. I have seen his faithfulness, his power. I have seen him heal the sick. I've experienced his redeeming power. I know my Savior, his love and faithfulness.
And yet, I don't always have the same response of obedience and faith: "Because you say so, I will…"
I am challenged by Peter's faith, by his unquestioning obedience to Jesus. So today, I express my faith in the Father, my love for my Savior. Today, I express my desire to walk in total obedience, to follow him without question. Today, I proclaim complete trust in the faithfulness of my Father.
Today, I say, "Because you say so, I will…"
Because you say so, I will love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37).
Because you say so, I will love my neighbor as I love myself (Matthew 22:39).
Because you say so, I will love my enemies, bless those who curse me (Matthew 5:44).
Because you say so, I will strive for unity with all believers (John 17).
Because you say so, I will be still and know that you are God (Psalm 46:10).
Because you say so, I will count it all joy when I face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).
Because you say so, I will believe that your plans for me are to prosper me, to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Because you say so, I will trust you with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:4-5).
Because you say so, I will be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2).
Because you say so, I will think on things lovely, noble, true, right, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
Because you say so, I will let your peace that surpasses all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Because you say so, I will fix my thoughts on you so that you can keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).
Because you say so, I will not worry about anything but instead pray about everything (Philippians 4:6).
Because you say so, I will forgive others as you have forgiven me (Matthew 6:14-15).
Because you say so, I will believe God can do far more than I could ever ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Because you say so, I will strive to live in purity (Ephesians 5:3).
Because you say so, I will clothe myself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Because you say so, I will always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that I have (1 Peter 3:15).
Because you say so, I will devote myself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2).
Because you say so, I will always let my conversation be gracious and attractive (Colossians 4:6).
Because you say so, I will strive to fulfill the great purpose for which you created me (Ephesians 2:10).
Because you say so, I will live an abundant life (John 10:10).
Because you say so, I will be controlled by the Spirit and not the flesh (Galatians 5:22-23).
Because you say so, I will become less so that he may become greater (John 3:30).
Because you say so, I will extend grace to others (John 8:11).
Because you say so, I will confess my sins so that I might be forgiven (1 John 1:9).
Because you say so, I will come boldly and confidently into God’s presence (Ephesians 3:12).
Because you say so, I will be humble and gentle and patient with others (Ephesians 4:2).
Because you say so, I will get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and evil behavior (Ephesians 4:31).
Because you say so, I will imitate God (Ephesians 5:1).
Because you say so, I will put on the full armor of God so that I may be able to stand firm against the devil (Ephesians 6:10).
Because you say so, I will live my life in obedience to you, seeking the fullness of your grace and love. I will seek you whole-heartedly, believing that I will find you when I do. I will surrender my whole life, every ounce of my being to you. I will seek to know you better, more intimately with each passing day.
Because you say so, I will strive to teach my children to know you, to love you, to walk in obedience to you. I will strive to make you real, relevant in our daily lives. I will bring you into our ordinary everyday life so that my children can have a foundation upon which to build their lives.
Because you say so, I will trust you to take everything in my life—the good, the bad, the ugly—and use it for my good and your glory. I will trust you to redeem every hurt, every pain, and use them to mold me into your image.
Because you say so, I will crucify my own sinful desires so that your life might be lived through me.
Because you say so, I will obey, no questions asked.
Dena Johnson is a busy single mom of three kids who loves God passionately. She delights in taking the everyday events of life, finding God in them, and impressing them on her children as they sit at home or walk along the way (Deuteronomy 6:7). Her greatest desire is to be a channel of God’s comfort and encouragement. You can read more of Dena’s experiences with her Great I AM on her blog Dena's Devos.
Publication date: September 16, 2015