Let Down Your Nets

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11

I have found myself exhausted in the past months, physically as well as emotionally. Covid wore down many folks, many courageous and strong leaders felt undone by the challenges of the pandemic. Some have retired, some have changed positions and others have suffered in silence. Manty have stopped trying. Jesus found Peter exhausted and distraught, worn down after hours of strenuous work came up empty. We have all been there. Jesus told him to go out deeper and let down his nets. Abundance happened when at the end of an exhausting season. When we feel like giving up, God often provides the miracles and the abundance we need.

Gracious Creator, we are tired and humbled

our work often seems fruitless and empty

folks have stayed away even after Covid

and we wonder whether we have failed you.

The disciples were weary and frustrated

the nets were empty, the families without food

yet in their worst moments you encouraged them

they let down their nets and you filled them.

Help us now. Lord, in this season of challenges

our spirits are lagging, our hearts are weary

fills us with your love so we might go deeper

help us let down the nets and be filled again. Amen.