Who Is Worn Weary

Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

IF I CLOSE MY EYES, I can still hear the seagulls and feel the breeze coming in off the bay that led to the ocean in the small New England town where I grew up. I can remember walking across the docks and looking down between the planks at the dark, cold water and the green seaweed swirling around the piers.

Fishing in my community was not just a pastime but a way many fathers made a living and fed their families. There were so many fishermen in my town that when I read Luke 5:5, I can almost hear Simon Peter’s voice answering Jesus, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.”

Simon was a fisherman by trade. He knew the long hours that began before the sun rose and sometimes carried on long into the night. He knew the rhythm of casting and hauling in nets. He knew the water. He knew the fish. So when Jesus told him to “launch out into the deep and let down [his] nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4, NKJV), he knew it was hopeless.

Simon had fished all night. He had already put in so much work. But he didn’t tell Jesus no. He replied, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” He did what Jesus directed, and then came the supernatural blessing of an overflowing catch of fish. It was this miracle that caused Simon Peter to follow Jesus and change his entire life.

Momma, perhaps you are tired like Simon was. Perhaps you have toiled through many hard nights and have not seen the blessing or the promise of provision or peace or whatever you are working so hard for in life. You know the rhythm of your days. You know what it looks like to cast your net and try and try again.

Let me say to you tonight: Just as Jesus knew where the fish could be found, He knows where your strength will come from. He can provide supernatural abundance for you. Maybe you’re like the hardworking fishermen in my town or Peter in this story. Maybe you have reached the end of your own strength. Maybe you’re completely and utterly exhausted. That’s okay. The Lord is calling you to trust Him. He wants you to believe that He is still speaking to your heart, showing you how to navigate the waters of your life.

It may feel hopeless, but may the response of your heart tonight be, “Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”

• Nevertheless I will keep loving these kids.
• Nevertheless I will trust You.
• Nevertheless I will put my hope in You.
• Nevertheless I will rely on You for my strength.

Just wait and see, Momma. God knows you’ve tried so hard and given it all you have. Now let Him surprise you with an abundance of just what you need.

Tonight we pray for the momma who is worn weary. Lord, there aren’t enough words to describe just how spread thin she feels. She is so grateful for the life she has and the family You’ve given her, but if she could just get a moment to breathe, she’d really appreciate it. Lord, tonight we ask for You to do something supernatural. In the middle of her exhausting and busy schedule, meet her with rest. Fill her with strength, peace, and hope for the days ahead. Help her sleep soundly tonight.

We ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

Jesus, my heart may be heavy and my mind restless; nevertheless . . .