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WHEN YOUR WAY ISN’T WORKING!

Luke 5:4–5 (ESV) – “And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’”

1. Jesus Initiates the Call to Action

  • Jesus speaks after teaching, indicating purposeful timing.
  • His directive follows a season of “nothing”—He enters our emptiness.
  • “Put out into the deep” means leaving the comfort zone.
  • This command is not a suggestion—it requires obedience.
  • His word directs our movement, not our results.

When life feels barren, Christ speaks into the void. Listen. He’s not silent in your depression.

2. Obedience Must Go Against Emotion

  • Simon is tired, disappointed, and skeptical.
  • He voices his weariness—“we toiled all night.”
  • Yet he still says, “But at your word.”
  • Faith overrides fatigue.
  • Emotion doesn’t cancel obedience.

When heartache screams “it’s over,” obedience whispers, “try again.”

3. Jesus Doesn’t Avoid Our Failures

  • Jesus enters the same boat that saw failure.
  • He doesn’t direct from a distance.
  • He chooses the site of defeat for the miracle.
  • He dignifies the experience of frustration.
  • He redeems not by avoiding failure but transforming it.

Depression often stems from failure. But Jesus steps into the same “boat” and speaks hope.

4. Going Deeper is His Prescription

  • “Put out into the deep” is a metaphor for faith, trust, and risk.
  • Jesus invites them to deeper water, not shallows.
  • Surface-level effort had yielded nothing.
  • Deeper waters are often darker, scarier.
  • God’s provision isn’t always where you expect.

When your way fails, the call is to go deeper, not give up.

5. His Commands Come with Power

  • Jesus’ word is never empty—His voice creates reality.
  • The command “let down your nets” is creative, not just instructional.
  • “At your word” becomes the pivot point.
  • Trusting His word releases unseen power.
  • It’s not about trying harder, but listening better.

Depression says, “nothing will change.” His word says, “try again—this time with Me.”

6. Simon’s Honesty is Met with Grace

  • “We toiled all night”—he voices his disappointment.
  • Jesus doesn’t rebuke Simon’s honesty.
  • Sincerity doesn’t cancel obedience.
  • Faith and doubt can exist in the same sentence.
  • Jesus honors real hearts more than perfect performances.

It’s okay to be honest with God. Brokenness doesn’t disqualify obedience.

7. Our Efforts Without Jesus Yield Emptiness

  • “Took nothing” summarizes all our human striving.
  • Simon had skill, experience, and effort—but no result.
  • Self-effort apart from Jesus can be exhausting.
  • Jesus is not anti-effort but anti-independent effort.
  • This is the divine critique of our way: “Did it work?”

If your way leads to exhaustion and emptiness, try His way.

8. Jesus Often Works After We’ve Tried Everything Else

  • God lets us hit the wall to show us the Way.
  • Jesus waits until they are finished to act.
  • Exhaustion becomes the platform for revelation.
  • The end of our rope is the beginning of His grace.
  • When we’re done, He begins.

Depression sometimes breaks us open for dependence.

9. God’s Voice Redefines What is Possible

  • Simon says they caught nothing—Jesus says try again.
  • What you call failure, Jesus calls unfinished.
  • God’s word redefines your situation.
  • His truth overrules your facts.
  • He alone can say, “Now is the time.”

Let God’s word rewrite your story. Depression isn’t the last chapter.

10. Faith is Often Proven in Small Steps

  • “Let down your nets”—a simple action, not grand.
  • Obedience is more about direction than effort.
  • Miracles begin with small yeses.
  • God tests our heart in the little things.
  • Your job is obedience; His job is outcome.

In despair, start with one step. His presence meets the obedient, not the perfect.

11. Trust is Rooted in the Person, Not the Outcome

  • “At your word”—Simon doesn’t know the result, only the speaker.
  • His trust is in the Person of Christ.
  • Results don’t create faith; faith releases results.
  • Jesus doesn’t promise success first—He demands trust.
  • You don’t need full understanding to obey.

When your way isn’t working, shift focus from results to the Savior.

12. Jesus Redirects Our Skill for His Glory

  • Simon’s fishing is redirected by divine command.
  • Jesus doesn’t discard our abilities—He reorients them.
  • Our gifts under His voice become fruitful.
  • Calling is often a redirection, not a replacement.
  • Human skill + divine direction = supernatural results.

Feeling useless? God’s not done. He wants to repurpose your life.

13. Divine Instructions Are Timely and Specific

  • “Now” and “there” matter—God’s timing is key.
  • Jesus knew the fish would be there now.
  • Obedience delayed is obedience denied.
  • Jesus doesn’t deal in generalities—He gives clarity.
  • The right action at the right time brings breakthrough.

Depression delays. Faith responds. When He says move, move.

14. Past Experience Must Bow to Present Revelation

  • Simon’s experience said “no fish.”
  • Jesus’ voice said “go.”
  • Experience isn’t Lord—Jesus is.
  • Sometimes God calls us to contradict logic.
  • Revelation trumps routine.

Your history is not your destiny. Listen to the Voice, not the void.

15. God Uses Our Emptiness to Show His Fullness

  • Empty nets made room for a miraculous catch.
  • Had the nets been full, no room for glory.
  • God often empties us before filling us.
  • Our lack prepares us for His abundance.
  • Emptiness isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.

Your heartache may be the setup for healing and hope.

16. God Often Commands Before He Explains

  • Jesus doesn’t explain why or how.
  • Simon obeys without full clarity.
  • Obedience precedes understanding.
  • We don’t walk by sight but by faith.
  • God honors those who trust Him without answers.

The question isn’t “Why, Lord?” but “What now, Lord?”

17. Christ’s Authority is Recognized in Our Submission

  • Simon calls Him “Master.”
  • Lordship is recognized before the miracle.
  • Submission precedes blessing.
  • He doesn’t argue, he yields.
  • God blesses humble hearts.

Depression questions everything. Faith surrenders even when confused.

18. Jesus Restores Purpose Through Obedience

  • Simon was a fisherman; Jesus restores him to that—then calls him beyond it.
  • God meets us in our calling to lead us into His.
  • Our original purpose is renewed under His direction.
  • Identity is reshaped through relationship.
  • Work becomes worship.

Depression steals purpose. Obedience reawakens it.

19. Faith is the Antidote to Cynicism

  • Simon could’ve mocked the request.
  • Instead, he submits—faith triumphs over sarcasm.
  • Cynicism says, “What’s the point?”
  • Faith says, “If He speaks, I will go.”
  • The presence of Jesus demands a different response.

Don’t let wounds turn into walls. Choose trust again.

20. This Passage Confronts the Question: Is Your Way Working?

  • Simon tried his way—no result.
  • Jesus speaks—a breakthrough occurs.
  • The miracle comes when he stops relying on himself.
  • The contrast is stark: toil vs. trust.
  • This story is a mirror: if your way fails, try His.

When your plans fall flat, let His word lead. His way works.

1. The Voice After Failure

We tried all night,
Our strength poured out,
Our wisdom empty,
Our pride cracked open,
Still the sea gave nothing.

Then You spoke.
Not loudly.
Not angrily.
But with purpose.
“Go out deeper.”

We didn’t understand.
But we were too tired
To argue again,
So we went,
Because You said.

In the deep,
Where darkness is thicker,
Where feet cannot touch,
You showed us
The fullness of grace.

Now we know,
When we are empty,
You are not.
You still speak.
And Your word fills.

2. My Way Isn’t Working

I had charts and maps.
I had strength in my arms.
I knew the right waters.
I thought I had enough.
But I caught nothing.

Still, I rowed harder.
Still, I repeated patterns.
Still, I told myself,
“This is the way.”
Still, I failed.

Then You came,
Standing in my defeat.
You didn’t mock.
You didn’t explain.
You invited me deeper.

I didn’t believe in the water.
I didn’t trust my effort anymore.
But I trusted Your word.
I moved at Your voice.
And the nets filled.

I don’t want my way anymore.
I want Your word.
I want Your timing.
I want Your deep.
Because Your way works.

3. Pride in the Boat

I’ve fished for years.
I’ve led others.
I’ve solved problems.
I’ve been respected.
But I still came up empty.

You entered my boat.
You stood over my pride.
You didn’t tear it down.
You asked me to trust.
And gave me a choice.

I argued, softly.
I defended my past.
I offered my fatigue.
But still, I said yes.
You honored the yes.

Pride cannot fill nets.
Experience cannot command fish.
But Your voice
Turns empty hands
Into overflowing ones.

Let me remember
The lesson of the boat:
The greatest strength
Is not in self,
But in surrender.

4. When He Says Go Again

It didn’t work before.
It failed completely.
No sign of success.
No hope of change.
Only weariness.

Then You said again,
“Try now. Trust Me.”
I wanted to say no.
But something in You
Held me.

It wasn’t new technique.
It wasn’t clever insight.
It was the same nets.
The same waters.
But now, Your word.

Suddenly the sea opened.
What was closed before
Became full.
What was dead
Came alive.

So now I know.
Try again—
Not because I’m better,
But because You’re speaking.
That changes everything.

5. The Deep Is Where You Wait

I wanted to stay near the shore.
It felt safer,
Less risky,
Less exposed,
Easier to quit.

But You said deeper.
Where I couldn’t see,
Where I couldn’t feel bottom,
Where nothing was certain
Except Your word.

It was hard to go.
My fear resisted.
But my emptiness agreed.
So I moved out,
Farther than ever.

There,
In the quiet tension,
Where trust holds breath,
You filled what was hollow
With more than I asked.

Let me not fear the deep.
It is the place
Where You are already waiting,
Ready to reveal
What I could not find on my own.

6. Is This Still My Way?

I’ve lived long enough
To see my ideas break.
I’ve walked long enough
To feel the weight
Of self-made pressure.

I told myself I could.
I told others I did.
But it was noise.
Inside, I knew
Something was missing.

Then You stepped in.
Not into my success,
But into my silence.
You asked for the wheel,
And pointed to the deep.

Now, I ask myself,
Every day,
“Is this still my way?
Or am I following
Because You said so?”

Help me release control.
Help me surrender logic.
Help me trust deeper.
Because only Your way
Leads to life.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the One who speaks when we are weary, who enters our boats when we are frustrated, and who calls us deeper when our hands are empty. Thank You for not leaving us in our failure. You could have passed by, but instead You stopped, stepped in, and offered a new direction. You didn’t rebuke Simon for his exhaustion, and You don’t reject us in our own brokenness. You are gentle when we are tired, and bold when we are hesitant, and Your voice carries power even in the dark.

We confess how often we rely on our own wisdom. We think our experience is enough, our history qualifies us, and our plans will succeed. But we have toiled all night, Lord, and we too often come up empty. Pride has kept us rowing in circles. Forgive us for trusting in our own strength instead of Your word. Forgive us for hearing You but not obeying. Forgive us for giving up too soon, for calling the night permanent, and for not believing You can bring light again.

Thank You for speaking still. Thank You for calling us to the deep places—not to destroy us, but to deliver us. Thank You for showing us that emptiness is not the end, but the beginning of obedience. In the middle of depression, fatigue, and failure, You offer a way forward, not by working harder, but by trusting more deeply. You redeem the night and give meaning to the empty nets. You make the sea obey Your word.

Help us to hear You when You say, “Try again.” Give us courage to launch when our feelings say stop. Teach us to trust Your word more than we trust our senses. When we are discouraged, remind us of Your faithfulness. When we doubt, strengthen our “yes.” And when we are tempted to do it our own way again, gently ask us: “Is your way working?”

We choose today to obey. We say, “At Your word, Lord, we will.” Even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when we feel weak. Even when the boat feels small and the waters are wide. You are the One who commands the sea. You are the Lord of the fish and the nets. You are our Master. And we will follow You into the deep.

LUKE 5:4-5

“When Your Way Isn’t Working: Trust the Word, Not the Water

Luke 5:4–5 – “And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’
And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’”


Simon Peter knew how to fish. He wasn’t a rookie. This wasn’t a weekend hobby—it was his trade. But here we find him, exhausted, frustrated, and fruitless. He had worked all night. Not one fish. Then Jesus shows up—not with new fishing techniques, not with better nets—but with a simple command: “Let down your nets.”

What do you do when your best efforts have failed? When your way isn’t working? Jesus doesn’t give Simon new instructions—He gives him a word. And everything changes.

Let’s unpack this encounter with six key truths that speak to us when we’re tired, when we’ve failed, and when we need to be reminded that His way works.

1. Jesus Comes to Us in the Place of Our Defeat

1.1. Jesus steps into Simon’s empty boat—not his success story.

He didn’t wait until Simon was winning. He came when Simon was weary. Jesus doesn’t need a clean stage—He’ll preach from the middle of your mess.

1.2. Jesus uses the boat that didn’t catch anything to launch a miracle.

God will take the very area of your failure and use it to demonstrate His glory. You don’t need a different boat—you need a different word.

1.3. Your defeat is not final—it’s fertile ground.

Where we see dead ends, Jesus sees starting points. He shows up when we’re finished with ourselves.

Ron Dunn would say: “Sometimes God has to let you fail before He can show you what it means to trust.”

2. God Will Ask You to Go Deeper Than You’re Comfortable With

2.1. “Put out into the deep”—this wasn’t about geography, it was about faith.

Jesus moves us from the safe places into the unknown. That’s where trust grows.

2.2. The deep is scary because it’s beyond our control.

You can’t see the bottom. You can’t stand up. You’re vulnerable. But that’s where obedience begins.

2.3. Jesus never performs deep work in shallow waters.

If you want shallow blessings, stay near the shore. But if you want abundance, follow Him into the deep.

2.4. Depth in the Spirit comes through surrender.

You can’t float on your own wisdom and go where Jesus is leading. Something has to be released.

3. God Will Often Ask for Obedience When It Doesn’t Make Sense

3.1. “We toiled all night”—Peter knew this was a bad time to fish.

It was daylight. The fish should’ve been gone. But Jesus wasn’t asking for fishing logic—He was calling for faith.

3.2. Obedience is not about understanding—it’s about trusting.

You don’t need to know the “why” when you know the “Who.”

3.3. Miracles don’t follow good planning—they follow surrendered hearts.

God isn’t waiting for your brilliance; He’s waiting for your yes.

3.4. The call of Christ will always challenge our experience.

What worked yesterday might not be what He calls you to today. “We’ve always done it this way” is not a reason to resist God.

4. His Word Is Stronger Than Our Wounds, Weariness, or Wisdom

4.1. “At your word I will…”

That is the turning point. The sea didn’t change. The conditions didn’t change. But obedience brought a shift.

4.2. God’s word redefines reality.

You say, “nothing is working.” God says, “try again—with Me.” What you call final, God calls unfinished.

4.3. Weariness speaks loudly, but His word speaks louder.

Faith is saying yes even when your feelings say no. The voice of God cuts through despair.

4.4. The word of Jesus holds the authority to override the natural.

If He said it, the fish have to obey. Creation listens to its Creator.

5. Obedience Turns the Same Old Nets into a New Opportunity

5.1. Jesus didn’t give Peter new tools—He gave him new timing.

Sometimes the issue isn’t the method—it’s the moment.

5.2. Obedience doesn’t always feel exciting.

Letting down the nets again felt foolish. But God moves through simple acts of trust.

5.3. Your hands may be doing what you’ve done before—but your heart is now trusting Someone new.

Same net. Same boat. Different outcome. Why? Because of Who spoke.

5.4. The place of past disappointment becomes the place of divine appointment.

Let God send you back into the same waters—this time with His word.

6. When You Let Go of Your Way, God Will Show You His

6.1. Peter had to face a brutal truth: “my way isn’t working.”

That’s not failure. That’s clarity. God lets us hit the wall so we’ll lean on the Rock.

6.2. Self-reliance leads to exhaustion. God-dependence leads to abundance.

The difference between empty nets and overflowing ones is obedience to the word.

6.3. God doesn’t bless performance—He blesses surrender.

You can’t earn His breakthrough. You can only receive it by faith.

6.4. “At your word” becomes the anthem of every heart that has learned the hard way that self doesn’t save.

That’s the cry of a surrendered heart. That’s where the miracle lives.

Conclusion: How We Will Live in Light of This Passage

  1. We will confess when our way is not working.
    No more pride. No more pretending. We will name our failure and bring it to the feet of Jesus.
  2. We will obey when God speaks, even when we don’t understand.
    We will act on His word, not our logic. When He says “try again,” we will go back to the waters we gave up on.
  3. We will go deeper in our walk with God.
    No more shallow faith. No more comfortable Christianity. We will move into the depths where trust is required.
  4. We will trust in the power of His Word.
    We will anchor our lives on His voice. We won’t look to feelings, trends, or experiences—but to what He has spoken.
  5. We will live surrendered, not striving.
    It is not about doing more. It is about yielding more. We will trade effort for obedience and control for trust.

1. When I Knew Too Much

I knew the waters.
I knew the nets.
I knew the night,
The hours, the silence,
The sound of nothing.

I didn’t need help,
I had strength and skill.
But the night mocked me.
And the nets,
They came back empty.

Then You stepped in,
Not asking for advice,
But offering a word,
A direction deeper,
A reason to trust.

I argued, just a little.
Then obeyed, just enough.
And the nets broke open.
And my heart broke too.
Because You knew.

Now I know better.
It’s not what I know.
It’s Who I follow.
Your word is the difference.
Your voice is the miracle.

2. His Word Works

I tried my way.
It made sense.
It matched my logic.
It was familiar.
But it left me empty.

Then You spoke.
Simple.
Clear.
Bold.
“Try again. But deeper.”

I wanted to argue.
I had data, reasons,
And an aching back.
But I had nothing else
To believe in.

So I trusted the Word.
Not the water,
Not the time of day,
Not my instincts—
Just You.

And You answered.
With more than fish.
You filled my failure
With faith,
And my silence with awe.

“At Your Word, Lord”

Lord Jesus, we come to You not from a place of strength, but from the night of empty nets. We have worked hard, planned well, relied on experience, and still come up lacking. You see the silent failures we hide from others, and You step into our boat anyway. Thank You that You do not wait for success to speak, but speak life even into our frustration. You are the Savior who doesn’t stand on the shore shouting orders—you come right into our defeat and ask us to trust again.

We confess, Lord, that pride has made us stubborn. We’ve often trusted our knowledge over Your word, our instincts over Your voice. We’ve rowed in circles instead of surrendering to the deep. Forgive us for the times we said “it’s useless” when You were calling us to try again. Forgive us for equating our failure with Your absence. Forgive us for hearing but not obeying.

Today, we want to be people who say, “At Your word, Lord.” We want to launch back into the deep—not because we feel like it, not because we understand it, but because we trust You. We want to obey even when we’re tired, even when logic argues against it, even when we fear the same results. Give us faith that responds to Your voice with readiness, not resistance.

Let Your word be the loudest voice in our lives. Drown out our doubt, our discouragement, our self-reliance. Let us believe that even if we’ve toiled all night and caught nothing, one word from You changes everything. Use our empty nets to teach us the beauty of surrender. Use our broken efforts to remind us that obedience opens the door to abundance.

And when You bless us—when the nets overflow, when the deep yields its treasure—may we remember it wasn’t our skill, but Your Spirit. It wasn’t our way, but Your word. We bow in worship, and we say again: Your way works. Lead us. We will follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.