Blessings of Obedience

Luke 5:1-5

You know, the thing that impressed me most here was really Simon Peter’s response. “Because you say so…”

Many a times, when we’ve received so much of God’s blessings, it really is so easy to place the “I love You” words on our lips. However, it becomes quite the opposite when we face trails and difficulties, and these three words simply changes to “Lord, how come?” or “Lord, why this?”
As I learnt, Obedience is also an expression of love toward God. It enables us to endure trials and difficulties. Also, God pours out His blessings on those who obey.

Look at Simon. He didn’t manage to catch any fish all night even though he worked so hard all night. He could have just told Jesus, “Are you sure?” Or “Nah, I’m too tired, or discouraged, you know”. But he didn’t. Instead, he said, “Because you say so, I will let down the nets." By doing so, he took a step into a life of obedience and blessing. You know, on the surface, it didn’t seem like a big deal whether he lets down the net or not. But still, God had a bigger purpose than that. He was going to make him a “fisher of men”!

Furthermore, when he let down the net again at Jesus’ request this time, his obedience also meant a big catch for the rest in the boat as well! Something which the passage just enlightened me, when we obey, God will bless those around us as well! And as we give testimonies of how God responds to our obedience with goodness, others may be motivated to seek after Jesus too!!!

Sometimes when we cannot see what our Lord has in mind, we may not be able to comprehend the importance of His requests. More than often, we’re just tempted to change it to fit our plans, to wait for a more convenient time, or to skip it all together. Sometimes God may even tell us to respond or act in ways that make little sense. Didn’t God tell Noah to build an ark, and instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac on the altar instead of an animal? They too, agreed to God’s plan, even though it didn’t make sense at all! Their trust in God overruled any concerns and led to great reward.

Well, Good News to us All! God wants to do the same for us too! God has a plan for our eternal good, and it’s foolish not to obey Him. Like Peter, we have no idea what God will do in and through us if we commit to living a life of obedience. But today, will you lay aside all your own negativity or apprehension and simply, to obey? When the Holy Spirit prompts you, how will you respond?