Last Updated on June 26, 2018 by OCF Communications

by Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.)

“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.'” (Luke 5:5).

To me, Luke 5:5 is a curious object lesson. On the one hand, Peter, a skilled fisherman, could have been insulted that Jesus asked him to demonstrate once more what he had repeatedly failed at throughout the night. On the other hand, Jesus allowed him the opportunity to demonstrate faith and trust.

One might ask: Did Simon really fail, or was his unproductive fishing tied to Christ’s master plan and call? I would think the latter. What can we draw from this from a leadership perspective?

  • Recognize that God has a master plan. Failure is a part of living. As leaders, however, we have the ability to serve as change agents–and what agents for change we can be! Having been bounced around from shop to shop, a young NCO once said to me, “At some point, someone has got to give me a chance.” Christ gives us chance after chance to demonstrate faith in His ability to make our lives productive.
  • Christian leaders not only have a chance to help others live productive lives, but we also get to show that we are more than “just another Joe.” We are a part of God’s plan to draw others to Him. As someone also said, “He is teaching us to fish.” To me that means, have courage to take a godly stance in our workplace, around the boardroom table. Don’t be ashamed to give God credit when credit is due and hold up the godly standards on which this nation was built. You get my point. When credit is due, glorify Him.
  • In spite of our flux and failures, He can use us. Don’t be afraid to approach Him or feel unworthy of His use. He uses committed believers and Christian leaders to achieve the kingdom work of drawing others to Him.

“But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” In the face of failure, Simon did not give up. His was not a blind faith. He trusted Jesus for the things he had already seen Him do. What about you? Have you backed away from a challenge because the results have been slow to come? Remember, in God’s economy there’s no waste, “All things work together for good….”

 

Copyrighted by Officers’ Christian Fellowship and Larry Simpson. For personal reflection and growth. Not for distribution.