Luke 5 Series: Silence Does Not Mean God Is Not There? (Daily Devotional)

Scripture Focus: Luke 5:1–3 (CSB)

Thought for the Day:  God often meets us in the mundane—and turns weariness into wonder.

Devotional: God’s Word prepares us to view the ordinary activities of our lives through a spiritual lens. In every daily task, we should be cognizant that He is working even when He is silent.

Sometimes we expect God to shout over the noise of our lives, but more often, He whispers in the quiet corners of our routines. In Luke 5, Jesus meets Simon—not at the synagogue or temple—but by the lake, in the middle of an exhausting, fruitless day of fishing. Simon wasn’t praying or seeking divine direction. He was just cleaning the nets... a daily task. Yet Jesus chose that moment—an ordinary task after an unproductive effort—to invite Simon into something extraordinary.

Notice what drew the crowd, not Jesus’ signs or wonders, but the Word of God. There’s something powerful when people hunger for His Word—it brings revelation, transformation, and often, the miraculous. Amid the crowd, Jesus singles out Simon. Tired. Discouraged and possibly frustrated with himself, he wondered why the night’s labor produced nothing. Perhaps he thought: “Did I do something wrong? Why the silence, Lord?”

Jesus doesn’t explain the silence. He asks Simon for a small act of obedience: “Put out a little from the land.” It probably seemed senseless. Inconvenient. But obedience—especially when it feels pointless—is the door to revelation.

Jesus still interrupts us today—in grocery store aisles, while folding laundry, or during a long commute. His voice often finds us in our everyday routines. He’s not always looking for the “prepared,” but for those willing to respond. What might He reveal to you—not when you’re striving, but when you’re surrendering?

Simon’s tired, reluctant “yes” led to something he never expected: a front-row seat to Jesus’ glory. What blessing might be waiting on the other side of your obedience?

Reflection:

Have you ever felt like Simon—tired, discouraged, and questioning your worth after a fruitless effort? When God seems silent, it’s easy to assume we’ve done something wrong or that He’s distant. But sometimes, His silence is simply a pause before divine revelation. Jesus met Simon in his weariness, not his strength—and He still does the same today. Your ordinary day might just be the setting for an extraordinary encounter. Don’t underestimate the quiet moments. They may carry the most significant weight of His presence.

Reflection Questions:

1. When have you experienced God’s silence in your life?

2. How do you typically respond when you’re tired or discouraged?

3. What are the “net-washing” moments in your life right now? Are you open to Jesus interrupting your routine?

4. What did God reveal in a time when simple obedience led to unexpected blessings or spiritual insight?

5. Is there something God may be asking you to do now that feels inconvenient, insignificant, or illogical

Journaling Prompt:

1. When has God interrupted your daily routine to get your attention?

2. What seemingly small act of obedience is He asking of you today? Write about a time when His silence led to something greater than you expected.

3. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.

Prayer: Jesus, I confess that I often equate silence with absence. But today, I choose to believe that You are near—even when I can’t feel or hear You. Help me to recognize Your presence in the midst of my daily routine. When I am weary, remind me that You see me. When I feel like giving up, give me the strength to obey—even if it doesn’t make sense. I trust that You’re working in the silence, and that on the other side of obedience is a more profound revelation of who You are. Speak, Lord. I’m listening. Amen.