Luke 5 Series: Deep Waters of Obedience (Daily Devotional

Scripture: Luke 5:3-7

Thought:  Obedience in the ordinary opens the door to the extraordinary.

Devotional:

Jesus may require us to do things that seem senseless when processed through earthly reasoning—but He always has a kingdom purpose.

When Simon Peter cast his nets into the deep at Jesus’ instruction, he had every reason to object. He was an experienced fisherman who had worked all night without success. To his human reasoning, casting again was pointless. But when he obeyed, the miracle came—a catch so large it nearly sank the boats (Luke 5:4–7).

In that moment, Simon recognized more than a miracle of fish; he recognized the majesty of the One standing in his boat. The truth radiated around the identity of Jesus—the long-awaited Messiah, standing in Peter’s everyday world.

It would take three years, the crucifixion, the resurrection, the ascension, and the gift of the Spirit before Peter fully understood who was with him that day. But the journey of transformation had begun the moment he chose obedience in what seemed senseless.

Jesus still meets us in the ordinary—at work, at home, in daily routines. What begins as “another day of fishing” may suddenly become holy ground when Christ reveals Himself. Like Simon, we often forget who is in our boat. We grow fearful in storms, surprised at miracles, or distracted by the shallow waters. Yet Jesus calls us into the depths—where faith is tested, obedience matures us, and dependence on Him becomes absolute.

Peter dropped everything to follow Jesus. Externally, little changed—he was still married, still uneducated, still a fisherman. But inwardly, everything changed. His transformed heart carried the gospel to the nations. Jesus longs to do the same in us—through obedience in the small things, trust in the deep waters, and surrender in the ordinary.

Reflection Thoughts:

• Do I recognize Jesus’ presence in the small, everyday moments of life, or only when something extraordinary happens?

• Where am I clinging to the “shallow waters” of safety instead of launching into the deep where He calls me?

• Have I experienced a moment where obedience seemed senseless, but God revealed His purpose? What testimony came from it?

Journaling Prompts:

1. Write about a time when God asked you to do something that didn’t make sense at first. What did you learn?

2. What “boats” in your life feel ordinary—but may actually be holy ground for Jesus’ presence?

3. In what areas of your life are you still “surprised” that Jesus is with you?

4. What shallow waters are you tempted to remain in? What step of obedience would take you into deeper faith?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I forget who is in my boat. Like Peter, I often resist Your instruction when it doesn’t make sense to me. Teach me to obey even when my nets feel empty and my strength is gone. Help me recognize Your presence in my daily routines and see even the ordinary places as holy ground. Call me into deeper waters, where my faith is tested and my dependence on You becomes unshakable. Transform my heart, Lord, that I may carry Your gospel into every corner of my life. In Your holy name, Amen.