Choosing Obedience Over Excuses: Lessons from Simon Peter

Devotional

Day 1: Obeying God Even When Circumstances Aren’t Ideal

Sometimes God calls us to take steps of obedience when the timing and conditions seem all wrong. Like Simon Peter, who was asked by Jesus to let down his nets after a long, fruitless night of fishing, we may feel that our experience and logic tell us otherwise. Yet, God’s wisdom and perspective are far greater than ours, and He often asks us to trust Him beyond what feels reasonable or comfortable. The perfect time may never come, but God’s invitation is to act in faith today, trusting that He knows what we cannot see and that His plans are always for our good. [07:43]

Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV)
So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But 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.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you’ve been waiting for “perfect” conditions before obeying God? What step of faith can you take today, even if it feels inconvenient or uncertain?

Day 2: Faithful Obedience Despite Imperfect Feelings

Obedience to God is not dependent on our emotions or whether we feel strong, motivated, or inspired. Like Peter, who was tired and discouraged after a night of failure, we may not always feel up to the task God calls us to. Yet, God honors obedience that is rooted in trust in His word, not in our mood or energy. Even when our hearts feel weak or weary, God can use our small acts of faith to bring about miracles and breakthroughs that we could never achieve on our own. [17:45]

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Reflection: When have you felt too tired, discouraged, or unmotivated to do what you know God is asking? How can you choose to obey Him today, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet?

Day 3: God Uses the Unworthy and Imperfect

Feelings of unworthiness, inadequacy, or shame can make us believe that God cannot use us. Yet, God delights in using those who recognize their own flaws and weaknesses, just as He did with Simon Peter. Our past mistakes or imperfections do not disqualify us from God’s purposes; rather, when we surrender ourselves to Him, His grace shines brightest through our weaknesses. God is not looking for perfection, but for a willing heart that says, “Lord, use me.” [30:20]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Reflection: What feelings of unworthiness or past failures have held you back from serving God? How can you surrender these to Him and trust that He can use you, flaws and all?

Day 4: Embracing God’s Greater Calling to Reach Others

God’s calling for us is not just about personal blessing, but about being part of His mission to bring hope, forgiveness, and new life to others. Like Peter, who was called to “catch men,” we are sent into our workplaces, schools, families, and communities to make an impact for Christ. This greater purpose means intentionally living out our faith, sharing the gospel, and being instruments of transformation in the lives of those around us. [32:51]

Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that God may be calling you to reach out to or share your faith with this week? What specific step can you take to bring them closer to Jesus?

Day 5: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone in Faith

Following Jesus often means leaving behind what is familiar, safe, or comfortable. Like Peter, who left his boat, nets, and livelihood, we are called to surrender control and trust God as He leads us into new and sometimes uncomfortable territory. It is in these moments—when we step out in faith beyond our comfort zones—that we experience God’s power, faithfulness, and the fullness of His calling for our lives. [44:21]

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection: What is one area where God is prompting you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a courageous step of faith this week, trusting that God is with you?

Sermon Summary

We all know what it’s like to have good intentions but never quite get started—always waiting for the “perfect time.” Like John in the story, we find ourselves making excuses, whether it’s about our health, our relationships, or even our walk with God. But the truth is, the perfect time rarely comes. In Luke 5:1-11, Simon Peter is confronted with a command from Jesus that seems unreasonable and ill-timed. After a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus tells him to go back out and let down his nets. Peter could have easily refused, citing his expertise, exhaustion, or the poor timing. Yet, despite his doubts and imperfect feelings, he obeys—simply because Jesus said so.

This act of obedience, even when it didn’t make sense, opened the door for a miracle. Peter’s nets overflowed with fish, and in that moment, he was confronted not just with God’s power, but with his own unworthiness. He fell at Jesus’ feet, overwhelmed by grace, realizing that God’s call isn’t reserved for the perfect or the strong, but for those willing to surrender. Jesus didn’t just fill Peter’s nets; He gave him a new purpose—to catch people, to be part of God’s work in transforming lives.

Often, our biggest obstacles are not external, but internal: our excuses, our feelings of inadequacy, our reluctance to step out of our comfort zones. We wait for better circumstances, for more motivation, for a sense of worthiness. But God calls us to obey now, to trust Him beyond what feels safe or reasonable. The miracle is not just in the blessing we receive, but in the transformation that happens when we say “yes” to God, even with trembling hands and imperfect hearts.

Following Jesus means more than adding Him to our routines; it means letting Him redefine our priorities, our identity, and our purpose. It means surrendering our comfort and control, trusting that God can use even our weaknesses for His glory. The call is not just to experience God’s blessings, but to become instruments through which others encounter His love and grace. The question is: will we keep making excuses, or will we, like Peter, say, “Nevertheless, Lord, at Your word, I will”?

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience is not about waiting for perfect circumstances. God often calls us to act when the timing feels wrong and the conditions are less than ideal. True faith is revealed when we step out in obedience despite uncertainty, trusting that God sees the bigger picture and knows what we cannot. [11:00]
2. Our feelings do not have to align with our faith for us to obey. Like Peter, we may be tired, discouraged, or emotionally drained, but God honors obedience that comes even from a weary heart. The power of God is not limited by our emotional state; in fact, He often works most powerfully when we feel weakest. [16:26]
3. God’s call is not reserved for the worthy or the flawless. Feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy are common, but God delights in using those who recognize their need for His grace. Our past, our failures, and our imperfections do not disqualify us; surrender does. [29:45]
4. The greatest miracle is not just in what God gives, but in who we become as we follow Him. When we let go of our excuses and step out in faith, God not only blesses us but transforms us—shaping our character, deepening our trust, and giving us a new identity and purpose. [32:09]
5. Following Jesus requires us to leave our comfort zones and surrender control. It’s not about fitting God into our lives, but letting Him become the center. The willingness to step into the unknown, to risk discomfort or rejection, is where we experience God’s faithfulness and become instruments of His love to others. [39:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - The Story of John: Excuses and Delays
[02:11] - What Do We Do With Our Excuses?
[03:12] - Simon Peter’s Ordinary Life
[04:49] - Jesus’ Unreasonable Command
[06:58] - When God’s Timing Doesn’t Make Sense
[09:42] - Trusting God’s Perspective
[11:00] - Obedience Despite Imperfect Conditions
[14:14] - Peter’s Honest Response
[16:26] - Obeying With Imperfect Feelings
[19:49] - Persevering Through Discouragement
[22:29] - The Miraculous Catch and Peter’s Reaction
[26:54] - Overcoming Feelings of Unworthiness
[30:31] - God’s Greater Calling: Catching People
[34:55] - Living Out Our Greater Purpose
[36:21] - Forsaking All to Follow Jesus
[39:07] - Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zones
[44:30] - God’s Presence in Our Steps of Faith
[45:19] - Excuses or Obedience: Our Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV) — 1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,
2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.
3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
5 But 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.”
6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;
10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
11 So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

Observation Questions

What was Simon Peter doing before Jesus gave him the command to go out and fish again? ([03:53])
How did Peter respond to Jesus’ instruction, and what reason did he give for his response? ([14:14])
What was the result of Peter’s obedience, and how did he react to the miracle? ([21:55])
After the miraculous catch, what new purpose did Jesus give to Peter and the others? ([30:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to give Peter a command that seemed unreasonable and ill-timed, especially after a long, fruitless night? What might Jesus have been teaching Peter through this? ([06:58])
Peter’s response included both honesty about his exhaustion and willingness to obey. What does this reveal about the relationship between faith and feelings? ([16:26])
When Peter witnessed the miracle, he felt unworthy and sinful. Why do you think encountering God’s power often leads people to recognize their own shortcomings? ([23:09])
Jesus told Peter, “From now on you will catch men.” What does this shift in purpose mean for Peter’s identity and priorities? ([30:50])

Application Questions

The sermon mentioned that we often wait for “the perfect time” to obey God or make changes in our lives. Can you think of an area where you’ve been waiting for better circumstances before taking action? What is one step you could take this week, even if things aren’t perfect? ([11:35])
Peter obeyed Jesus even though he was tired and discouraged. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels hard because of your current emotional state? How can you move forward in obedience despite how you feel? ([16:26])
The feeling of unworthiness or inadequacy can keep us from saying “yes” to God. Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough for God to use you? What would it look like to surrender that feeling to God and trust Him to work through you anyway? ([29:45])
The greatest miracle is not just in what God gives, but in who we become as we follow Him. In what ways do you sense God shaping your character or giving you a new sense of purpose as you obey Him? ([32:09])
Following Jesus required Peter and the others to leave their comfort zones and surrender control. What is one “comfort zone” in your life that God might be inviting you to step out of? What would it look like to trust Him in that area? ([39:07])
The sermon challenged us to be instruments through which others encounter God’s love and grace. Who is one person in your life that you sense God wants you to reach out to? What is a practical way you can show them Christ’s love this week? ([35:38])
When you look at your daily routines, is Jesus at the center, or just an add-on? What is one change you could make to let Him redefine your priorities or identity? ([38:01])

Sermon Clips

``The truth is, the perfect time will never come. It does not come. Life will always be busy, messy, or uncertain. If you're waiting for better conditions to take action, you might wait forever. What matters is the step that you take today. Like Peter, the nets may already be clean, the night may already feel wasted, but that didn't prevent them from following the instructions of Jesus. Likewise, we also can't let circumstances decide our obedience. The right time to obey God is now, even when you are unsure. [00:11:44] (40 seconds) #NowIsTheRightTime

Because obedience to God does not depend on right circumstances. When we obey, despite imperfect timing, we open the door for God to work beyond what our conditions allow. And when we obey, God gives us blessings we couldn't achieve on our own strength. [00:13:01] (19 seconds) #BlessingsThroughObedience

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. So stop waiting for some day. If God is speaking to you today, if He is leading you, then today is the right time to respond. The miracle often begins with one simple act of obedience, right where you are in the middle of your ordinary day. [00:13:43] (23 seconds) #ObeyBeyondEmotion

Because many times, God does His greatest work not when we are at our best or our strongest, but when we simply trust Him, even when our hearts feel weak or weary. Because oftentimes, our excuse isn't about the circumstances around us, but it is the condition within us. We say, Lord, I'm too tired. Lord, I'm too discouraged. Lord, I don't feel like it. Or in short, our excuse number two is our imperfect feelings. We are tired, we are discouraged, or we are emotionally drained, and we lack motivation. Peter reminds us that our faith obeys even when our feelings don't align. Because obedience isn't about how we feel, it's about who we trust. [00:17:50] (53 seconds) #PersevereInFaith

It's in those moments that God says to us, let down your nets. Once again, sometimes he allows our efforts to fail so that our dependence on him can grow. He's not trying to wear us down. He's inviting us to trust him in ways we never have before. So keep going. That's my encouragement to you, even when the results seem invisible. Keep loving your spouse, even when things feel hard. Keep praying for your children, even when progress feels slow. Keep doing the right thing, even when no one notices. Keep serving faithfully. Stay faithful. Because sometimes, the greatest miracle is not in the nets full of fish, but in the hearts that have learned to obey and to trust and to persevere despite empty nets and imperfect feelings. [00:19:58] (57 seconds) #MiracleInObedience

You may feel dirty and unworthy as well, but God isn't looking for perfection. What He is looking for is surrender. 2 Corinthians 12 9, a familiar verse to us, and He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is enough, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast in My weakness, in My infirmities, in My imperfections, that the power of Christ may rest upon Me. You know, let Him use you together with your flaws, your weaknesses, because it is in our weakness that God's grace will shine the brightest. The question is not whether you are, whether God can use you. The question is, are you willing to be used by God? [00:29:45] (50 seconds) #CatchHeartsNotFish

Because the greatest catch isn't found in the nets or overflowing boats. The greatest catch happens when people finally find hope, when people finally discover their purpose, when people receive forgiveness and love and align their lives with Jesus. [00:32:04] (18 seconds) #ScatteredToImpact

Because our greater calling as God's people is not just to make a living, but to catch men and women for Christ. To live, to love, and to speak in ways that will lead others to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:36:02] (16 seconds) #ForsakeAllForFaith

Because when God calls us out of our comfort zone, yes, you will feel weak. You will feel unqualified. You will feel afraid. But it's not to prove how strong we are. It is to teach us to depend on Him, to teach us that our miracle, our biggest breakthroughs won't come from comfort. It will come from the moment we decide that staying in the comfort zone is no longer an option. [00:43:59] (30 seconds) #UseMyBoatLord

Excuses are easy to make. They feel safe. They make us comfortable. But remember, they also hold us back from experiencing the breakthroughs, the blessings, and the intentions that God has for us. Like Peter, what is important is what we do after. When we choose obedience over excuses, we give God room to do what only God, what only God can do. [00:45:15] (29 seconds)

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