Have you ever felt that your life has been spent in the shallow waters? Do you have a longing to go deeper with God, but fear and apprehension has held you back?
It is safer to wade the shallow waters. You can splash the water around with your feet and have fun. You can tell your friends, and even convince yourself that you are wading in the deep. But you know if you are wading ankle-deep in the water with an entire ocean at your back.
Most of American Christianity is spent in the shallow waters. We tend to focus on superficial matters to the neglect of the supernatural. We are content to have Sunday morning religion but we dare not go deeper and be labeled a fanatic.
I don't know about you, but I admire those who have a passion for God and a zeal to share Him with others. Shouldn't that be the same for all Christians? Instead, we have allowed our culture and burnt-out church members to lead us into the spiritual quicksand of mediocrity.
Sometimes fish can be caught in the shallow waters, but if you are interested in a mighty catch, you need to go into the deeper waters. That is what Peter did. Despite the fact he had an unsuccessful season of fishing, Peter heeded the words of Jesus when the Lord said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Obeying Jesus resulted in the catch of a lifetime.
I don't know about you, but I am tired of seeing so many churches fish the shallow waters. Once in a while, a fish is caught, but most of the fish remain uncaught because we fail to launch out in the deep where most of the fish are.
In these days of Covid-19, many are telling churches to quit fishing. We are told to head for shore and cease operations until things improve. I am not suggesting that Christians should act carelessly about Covid-19, but I also don't believe we should let our nets dry-rot while waiting for a better season.
While it is possible for a tide of revival to overwhelm you occasionally as you trod in shallow waters, the blessings of deep water fishing may be enjoyed all the time. If you've ever noticed, most of the crowd stays on the beach or in the shallow waters. Few launch into the deep.
Simon Peter's life was changed after he launched into the deep. He became a fisher of men. After Jesus' ascension, Peter launched into the deep with a challenging message on the Day of Pentecost. Peter once again experienced the blessing of seeing a mighty catch.
Are you tired of shallow living? Are you tired of empty nets? Do you envy believers who sail the deep waters and return with an awesome catch? Then it is time for you to leave the shallow waters.
The key to deep water fishing is found in Luke 5:2-3. Jesus was in the boat when He told Peter to go deeper. Jesus was on board with Peter. Without Jesus, our fishing is in vain. However, you can be sure that when God guides, He provides. He desires for His children to trust and obey Him. It didn't make sense for Peter to go back into the deep waters, but when Jesus beckons you to go, the deep waters should be your destination.
2020 was a year when many boats remained empty, tied to the docks. Some have ventured into the shallow waters. Very few have gone deeper.
Don't waste your life any longer in the shallows. In 2021, let's go deeper with the Lord and trust Him for a mighty catch!
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