Scripture Reading:

“When He 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.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” — Luke 5:4–6 (NIV)

Devotional Thought:

There’s something powerful about the moment Jesus stepped into Simon Peter’s empty boat.

Peter had fished all night, doing everything right — the right technique, the right timing, the right tools — yet caught nothing. Exhausted and frustrated, he was washing his nets, ready to call it a day. And that’s when Jesus showed up.

He didn’t come when the nets were full, but when they were empty. He didn’t choose a moment of success, but a moment of surrender. The first thing Jesus did was step into Peter’s boat — the very thing Peter had just given up on. The boat that represented failure became the very platform Jesus used to teach and perform a miracle. That’s how God works. He doesn’t discard your empty seasons — He uses them.

The parts of your life that feel unproductive or disappointing can become pulpits for His glory when you let Him step in. Then came the command: “Put out into deep water.”

The shallow is safe — it’s where we can still stand, still control the outcome. But Jesus calls us to the deep because that’s where dependence begins. The deep represents the unknown — the conversations, steps of obedience, or acts of faith that stretch us beyond what’s comfortable. Peter could have argued. He could have said, “I’ve tried that already.” But instead, he said, “Because You say so.”

That’s the turning point — when our effort gives way to obedience. The result? A catch so great the nets began to break — a miracle so abundant that Peter had to call others to share in it. That’s evangelism. When you let Jesus use your life, your obedience overflows into someone else’s blessing.

He’s not just filling your boat; He’s filling your neighbourhood, your workplace, your family — through you. Maybe today you feel like Peter — weary, tired, unsure if it’s worth casting again. But Jesus is still calling: “Go deeper. Cast again.” Because the difference between an empty net and an overflowing one isn’t in your strength — it’s in His word.

Reflection Questions:

1. What area of your life feels like an “empty net” right now?
2. What might it look like to let Jesus “step into your boat” — your work, family, or daily routine?
3. Where is God calling you to go deeper in faith or obedience?
4. How can your personal testimony become a platform to bless others this week?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You see me even when my nets are empty. Forgive me for the times I’ve given up too soon. Today I invite You to step into my boat — into the parts of my life that feel tired or unproductive. Help me to trust Your word over my feelings. Give me the courage to go deeper, to cast again, and to believe for a fresh catch of souls, blessings, and breakthroughs. Use my life as Your platform to reveal Your power and grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:

This week, ask God to show you one person who needs encouragement or an invitation to experience Jesus. Reach out — send a message, share your story, or simply pray with them. Don’t wait for perfect conditions — just cast your net and let God handle the catch.

Family Declaration:

We are a family who listens to God’s word and obeys it. We will not give up after empty nights or failed attempts. We choose to go deeper, to trust again, and to cast our nets at His word. Our boat belongs to Jesus — and through our obedience, others will be blessed. Because He says so, we will cast again!