I reached into the dryer to fold towels, but to my surprise, they were all damp. I checked the vent. It was clear. Hmm… I turned off the breaker, but still no heat. Annoyed towels would remain damp overnight, so I did what every diligent homeowner does: I went to bed. The next day, when the repairman suggested we try the breaker, I said, ”Yeah, I tried that last night, too.”
He smiled and said, “But, did you have one foot in the air while you did it?!”
Laughing, I answered, “Well, of course, not! I forgot that part…”
Standing in front of the breaker with one foot in the air, we counted aloud to fifteen. He flipped on the breaker, and sure enough, the dryer started working!
Reflecting on this, I began to wonder: Could this be how Peter and the men felt on that no-catch night? Frustrated. Tired. The next day, a “Repairman” comes. The optimal time for fishing has passed, but Jesus instructs them to go back out — a command as laughable and absurd as the one-leg breaker trick. In the midst of his doubting thoughts, Peter says, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)
Powerful words of obedience: “But at Your word I will…” I imagine Peter walking up to his crew, probably rubbing the side of his nose as he delivers the unpopular and laughable news that they are going back out. He didn’t understand — and he was probably reluctant to do it — but he obeyed. It turns out that their catch was so great that the nets were breaking, and they needed a second boat and more fishermen to help!
Throughout Scripture, obedience often seems illogical. God’s direction in my life is often paved on roads out of my comfort zone, those turns that make little to no sense. First, it was a step down from the setter/captain position on the varsity volleyball team. Zero sense. “But at Your word I will…”
Next, move from Texas to Oklahoma, leaving a comfortable job as a lead teacher, and take a significant pay cut. Zero sense. “But at Your word I will…”
Trade the classroom for a cubicle and start in an entry-level position for which you are overqualified. Zero sense. “But at Your word I will…” Write a couple of devotionals and books, even though you have no audience to read them. Zero sense. “But at Your word I will…”
Start a blog. (I always had thought bloggers were weird. I know that to be true now. We are weird. And by “weird,” I mean passionate.) Zero sense. “But at Your word I will…”
Time and time again, obedience doesn’t make sense, so we must remember: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’” declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
What do you feel deep down you are supposed to do, but it makes no earthly sense? Maybe it’s to take a step of faith with a gift or talent you’ve been given. Maybe it’s time to lay down the hurt and forgive someone. Maybe it’s to love your enemy. Yep, zero sense. Whatever it is, I want you to be filled with courage today to take your next step of obedience. God’s not asking you to take five steps, just one. Then, He’ll show you the next and, even more, He’ll prepare you for it.
Let’s find strength for obedience in the stories of scripture. May we find joy as we see His power transforming us and peace as we recognize Him leading us. May we rest in remembrance that His ways are forever higher than our ways and find the courage to use Peter’s words, “But at Your word I will…” in response to His call.
And when that one step of obedience turns into a year of baby steps of obedience, blow up the balloon and celebrate His faithfulness to walk beside you and lead you through it all.
The good life, well, it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let’s choose to live The Good Day one day at a time.
About the Author:
Hi! I’m Candace Cofer, a serious ef-ficionado. You read that right. Efficiency enthusiast. 7:30 am grocery shopper. 2 pm marathon napper. 10 pm book reader. Learning how to slow down and be here, thankful to be a work in progress. Lover of puns and family because both provide the unexpected laugh. Chaser of creativity, adventure, and the perfect chocolate chip cookie. A wannabe gardener with no green thumb and a kindergarten teacher at heart. Redeemed, forgiven, and loved child of God. As founder of The Good Day ministry, I am passionate about Jesus and people, inspiring others to grow in their knowledge and love for Jesus and experience God in the ordinary happenings of their days. Wanna know more? Listen to the podcast or read the blog; it’s all in there. Or follow me on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook!
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