By Christina Semmens

“Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” ~ Luke 5:3

Purified for Mission

It’s been more than a month since the end of the Christmas season, and all of the lights, joy, and hopefulness of the season might seem tucked away along with wherever we store our Christmas decorations.

Along with the season, the attitudes of patience, joy, and peace in ourselves and those around us might seem to have disappeared along with the decorations. In the wake of stalled or failed New Year’s resolutions and the gloominess of winter weather, we find ourselves feeling quite discouraged, especially if we realize, like Isaiah did, “Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips.”

But our Lord always gives us cause for hope.

He not only takes away our wickedness and purges our sins, but He also invites us to enter into the work that needs to be done in the world by asking, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”

And after being purified, we can then respond, “Here I am, send me!”

Gratitude Builds Strength

However, despite our desire to be sent, many of us may not feel capable or prepared to step out and do the work.

This is when we need to do as the Psalmist does and give thanks with all our heart. As we express our gratitude, the Lord hears the words of our mouth and answers us.

And how does He answer?

By building up strength in us.

Through His right hand saving us.

By completing all that He has done for us.

And by not forsaking the work of His hands.

Obedience Opens Us to Greatness

The Lord gives us hope and strengthens us, but we still have a part to play—our obedience.

Often, the Lord asks us to do things that make no sense—just like when Jesus asks Peter in the Gospel to “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 

Peter was a professional fisherman who had worked all night and caught nothing.

But Peter gives us the key to how he became great.

“…but at your command, I will lower the nets.”

Peter was obedient. And, through it, he became great.

Was Peter perfect? Absolutely not.

In fact, he recognized his sinfulness and asked the Lord to depart from him.

But the Lord remained with him, and then He invited Peter into even deeper intimacy and to take part in a greater work than he ever could have imagined.

Bottom line, Jesus offered him hope.

And our Lord desires to give each one of us the same kind of hope.

To receive it is easy.

Simply be obedient to the Lord’s will in the moment.

Don’t question, debate, or stall. Just do His will.

And then be ready to be astonished at the results.  

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your care and attentiveness to all that I need. Help me grow in strength so that I am ready to be a sign of hope in the world. May I do your will in this moment, and through, with and in you, bring about astonishing results.

Call to Action

Allow the Lord to purify and strengthen you in His loving care by setting aside whatever might be causing you to be discouraged right now. Then do His will in this moment and throughout the week as you allow yourself to be filled with His hope.

© 2025 WINE — All Rights Reserved