I wasn't excited about going, so I held onto the pool's side. That's where I made my mistake.

I was nine and couldn't swim. No one in my family could — not dad nor mom nor any of my grandparents. Since I came from a swim-less family, learning how wasn't on my list of things to accomplish.

Then I visited a friend's swimming pool and boarded an inner tube. They wanted to drift into the deep end; I didn't. As I hung on and they kept moving, I slipped into the water and headed toward the bottom. I remember thinking; "This is it. I'm gonna die at nine." And I probably would have, had my friend not rescued me.

I still don't know how to swim, and since I'm halfway through my life, I'm not likely to learn. I'm still not fond of deep water. Water above my knees makes me nervous.

Luke 5:4 – When he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." (NIV)

Peter wasn't crazy about deep water either. As an experienced fisherman, he knew fish are more likely caught in shallow water than cool, unpredictable, deep water. He met Jesus' instructions with reluctance:

Luke 5:5 – 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." (NIV)

Jesus didn't simply want Peter to take another tiring, fruitless adventure. This trip was different than his all-nighter; it was a faith trip. When he obeyed, his nets filled with so many fish that he had to call his partners for help hauling them in.

Deep waters are tough, for there, God pushes us to greater faith and trust. Out-of-control spending is reeled in. Unhealthy relationships are thrown back. Hooks are baited with wise decisions and prayed-over plans. And lines are sturdied with belief in futures controlled by God.

Let us trust God for the deep-water excursions. He'll never lead where He hasn't prepared — and deep waters are never shallow experiences.

Prayer: Father, we trust You to lead us into the deep waters where our faith is forged and Your name is honoured. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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