Because You Say So
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 9
Luke 5:1–11 (NIV)
By Tho Lye Sam, Chairperson, Lay Personnel Committee
READ:
Luke 5:1–11 (NIV)
What stood out for me from this passage is Jesus’ assurance, “Don’t be afraid” (v10). As I reflect on this, I realise how often fear shapes my response to God’s call. Fear of rejection, fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of trying and seeing no results. To “fish for people” can feel daunting, especially when I feel inadequate.
Yet, Jesus does not ask Simon Peter to be successful. He simply asks him to obey. When Jesus tells him to put out into deep water, Simon responds honestly, “We’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything” (v5). While I may not have worked as hard, there are times I have tried to reach out or share, and it felt fruitless. As Simon adds, “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” This is where God speaks to me. Obedience is not driven by results, but by trust in Jesus, who is our provider.
For me, “putting out into deep water” means choosing faithfulness over fear. It means not holding back simply because I am unsure of the outcome. God is reminding me that outreach is not about convincing others, but about being present, available, and willing, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through me. Fishing for people may be as ordinary as offering a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a quiet prayer, or showing up with kindness.
Jesus chooses to teach from a boat, a setting familiar to the fishermen and part of their daily work. He speaks into their ordinary lives and calls them from where they already are. This reminds me that God often works through the familiar spaces of my life. Being a welcoming church begins with how I receive people, without judgement and with openness. Being a missional church begins with my willingness to reach out, even when I do not see immediate fruit. Being a caring church begins with small, faithful acts of love.
This Lent, God is nudging me to trust Him more deeply, to obey even when outcomes are uncertain. It is not because I am ready, but because He says so.
Lord Jesus, quiet my fears and draw me closer to You. Use my ordinary life as a place where Your love and grace may be seen, and give me the courage to follow You in faithful obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
[ Reflection Questions ]
1. What fears make it difficult for you to respond to God’s call with obedience?
2. What might “putting out into deep water” look like in your current season of life?
3. How can you personally practise being welcoming, missional, and caring in your everyday spaces?
