By Tom Shanklin

“And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.” Luke 5:1-3, KJV.

Jesus wants to use your boat! That boat represents your life and the things that are dear to you. Sometimes people pray the sinner’s prayer and nothing happens. The reason is that Jesus is looking for more from you than a prayer. He wants your heart! He wants your life! Simon offered his boat and Jesus made it a tool of ministry. Likewise, if you let Him, He will make your life an instrument of righteousness for His purposes.

Launch Out into the Deep

“Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Luke 5:4, KJV.

When I gave my life to Jesus sitting in a pickup truck in 1977, I had no idea that I would be going around the world preaching the Gospel. But I have found that the Lord progressively calls us to deeper waters in our walk with him. You may not be called to go to India, but I can guarantee you that He will call you to greater exploits as you walk with Him. When Jesus calls you, He challenges you to launch out into the deep with him, to leave the “safety” of the shoreline behind (your natural success, your ambitions, this world’s comfort) and come into deep waters with Him. It will be an adventure, but He will be your life preserver. Be willing to listen to His voice and to believe Him for a great catch of souls.

Get Ready for a Miracle

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (Luke 5:5-6, KJV).

When you put your life in Jesus’ hands and begin to obey His leading, get ready for mighty results. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37, KJV. Don’t be guided by your past experience. Listen to what He is saying to you from His Word. It’s not our great abilities that causes miracles to happen, It’s His power working through our obedience.

We Need Partners

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:7, KJV).

Jesus had told Simon and his friends to let down their nets (plural), but in response and partial obedience, Simon let down his net (singular). As a result of the great catch, the net broke. Then they decided to “beckon to their partners.” Thank God for partners who help us to bring in the catch. We are called to work together to bring in the great catch.

You May Think You are Unworthy

“When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.” Luke 5:8-11, KJV.

When Simon Peter saw this great miracle, it took his breath away. He recognized the great power of God and saw the lack and failure in his own life. He saw the great gap between God’s glory and his own sinfulness. But Jesus said, “Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” Jesus let him know that it was not about his failure and weaknesses, but it was what God can do through a yielded vessel. Jesus took a group of rough-hewn fishermen, tax collectors and outcasts and used them to turn the world upside down. He will do the same through you and me. It’s all to His glory!

So, I encourage you, let Jesus use your boat. You may think your boat is too weather-beaten and ordinary to be used by the Lord, but just let Him have it, and see what happens. As he progressively leads you into deeper waters, forsake all and follow Him. You will find that He will use your life in extraordinary ways.

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