"When You're Hoping for a Miracle" in American Sign LanguageSample

Because God Says So
By Rick Warren

“When [Jesus] 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.’” (Luke 5:4-5 NIV)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, he expects you to obey whatever he tells you to do — even if it appears foolish to other people, even if it doesn’t make sense financially, even if you don’t understand it and you’re scared to death.

Luke 5:4-5 says, “When [Jesus] 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’” (NIV).

Not only did Jesus get in the boat, but suddenly he was giving the fishing instructions.

Notice Peter’s reaction. First, he didn’t argue with Jesus. He didn’t say, “Excuse me, Lord. You’re a carpenter. I’m a fisherman. And those fish aren’t biting! Who are you to tell me how to do my job?”

And, he didn’t hesitate. When Jesus said to launch the boat, he didn’t say, “Why don’t we think about this for a minute? Let’s form a committee and vote on it” or “We’re pretty dirty and tired here, Lord. How about we try again this afternoon?”

What did Peter do? He responded to Jesus with unquestioned obedience.

If you will become a because-you-say-so man or woman, God will bless your life. His instructions do not have to make sense to you, but because God says so, you do it, and you trust him in faith.

I don’t know what God’s already told you to do, but I will tell you this: Disobedience always hurts you, because you miss the blessing.

Talk It Over

What has God told you to do that you’re not doing?

What keeps you from trusting that God’s way is better than yours?

How can you model absolute obedience to your kids in the way you respond to God’s commands?