Embracing Obedience: Trusting God Beyond Our Limits

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience in the Ordinary: “Because You Say So”

Sometimes God calls us to take steps of obedience that don’t make sense to us, especially when we are tired, frustrated, or simply going through the motions of daily life. Like Peter, who was exhausted after a fruitless night of fishing, we may feel reluctant or even skeptical when Jesus asks us to try again or to do something outside our comfort zone. Yet, it is in these moments—when we respond with “because you say so”—that our lives can be transformed. The life we long to live is found in the obedience God calls us to give, even when it costs us time, comfort, or understanding. [59:14]

Luke 5:1-11 (ESV)
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 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.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 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. But 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 that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God nudging you to obey, even though it doesn’t make sense? Will you take a step of faith today and say, “Because you say so”?

Day 2: Blessings Beyond Expectation

When we are willing to do what seems ridiculous or inconvenient in obedience to God, we open ourselves up to experience the miraculous. Peter’s reluctant obedience led to a catch so great that it broke the nets and filled two boats to the point of sinking. God’s blessings often come in unexpected ways and can even disrupt our carefully ordered lives, but always for our good. Sometimes, the very thing we resist is the doorway to a joy-drenched, abundant life that God longs to give us. If we are unwilling to take steps of faith, we may be forfeiting blessings that God has prepared for us. [01:07:54]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: Is there a step of faith you’ve been resisting because it seems too risky or inconvenient? What blessing might you be missing by holding back?

Day 3: Seeing Jesus Clearly, Seeing Ourselves Truly

When Peter witnessed the miraculous catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by his own unworthiness and the holiness of Christ. True encounters with Jesus lead us to see both God’s greatness and our own need for grace. Confessing our brokenness is not a disqualifier for following Jesus—it is the very prerequisite. As we see Jesus more clearly, we are moved to humility, confession, and worship, recognizing that God’s grace meets us right where we are. [01:13:59]

Isaiah 6:5-7 (ESV)
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Reflection: When was the last time you were truly honest with God about your brokenness? How can you turn that honesty into an altar of praise today?

Day 4: Surrendering What We Cling To

Peter’s nets represented his identity, security, and livelihood—everything he knew. Yet, after encountering Jesus, he left everything behind to follow Him. We are often called to lay down what we cling to most—our routines, relationships, comfort, or achievements—in order to step into the new life Jesus offers. Surrender is not about loss, but about gaining something far greater: a life shaped by God’s purpose and presence. What are the “nets” in your life that Jesus is inviting you to lay down? [01:18:25]

Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto for security or identity? What would it look like to lay it down and trust Jesus fully with your future?

Day 5: Following the Example of Christ’s Surrender

Jesus Himself modeled the ultimate “because you say so” obedience in the Garden of Gethsemane, choosing the Father’s will over His own, even when it meant suffering and death. He calls us to follow Him in this path of surrender and servanthood, trusting that God’s will is always good, even when it is hard. Our Savior is a “because you say so” Savior, and He invites us to be “because you say so” people—willing to lay down our lives, our plans, and our comfort for the sake of God’s greater purpose. [01:21:00]

Matthew 26:36-39 (ESV)
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Reflection: Where is God asking you to surrender your will for His today? How can you follow Jesus’ example and say, “Not my will, but Yours be done”?

Sermon Summary

Today, we celebrated the journey of our students, especially our upcoming sixth graders and graduating seniors, as they step into new seasons of life. We reflected on the story of Peter in Luke 5, where after a long, fruitless night of fishing, Jesus steps into Peter’s ordinary routine and asks him to do something that makes no sense—cast his nets again in the deep, in the heat of the day. Peter, exhausted and skeptical, responds with four life-changing words: “Because you say so.” This simple act of obedience, even when it defies logic or comfort, becomes the turning point not only for Peter’s day but for his entire life.

We often find ourselves, like Peter, caught up in the routines and demands of daily life, sometimes too busy or too tired to notice what Jesus is saying to us. Yet, Jesus has a way of interrupting our plans, inviting us to trust Him beyond our understanding. Sometimes, He leads us into places of isolation or exhaustion—not to punish us, but to prepare us, to quiet the noise so we can hear His voice more clearly. It’s in these moments, when we are at the end of ourselves, that we are most open to His leading.

Obedience to Jesus often requires us to let go of our need for control, our desire for things to make sense, and our attachment to what is comfortable or familiar. The blessings that follow obedience may not always look the way we expect; sometimes, they even “wreck” our lives for the better, stretching us beyond what we thought possible. When we say “because you say so,” we position ourselves to experience the miraculous, to see God’s abundance poured out in ways we never imagined.

Peter’s story reminds us that confession of our brokenness is not a disqualifier but a prerequisite for following Jesus. When we see Jesus clearly, we see ourselves accurately, and we are moved to surrender. Ultimately, Jesus Himself modeled the ultimate “because you say so” life, submitting to the Father’s will even unto death on the cross. We are invited to follow in His footsteps, trusting that His plans for us are greater than anything we could achieve on our own.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience Often Begins in Exhaustion and Disappointment Peter’s willingness to obey Jesus came at a moment of deep fatigue and frustration, not spiritual enthusiasm. Sometimes, God meets us at the end of our strength, when our own efforts have failed, to invite us into a new kind of trust. It’s in these places of emptiness that we are most ready to hear and respond to His call. [52:10]
2. Isolation Can Be a Place of Preparation, Not Punishment Jesus led Peter away from the crowd and into the quiet of the deep water, a place that felt isolating and uncomfortable. In our own lives, seasons of solitude or obscurity are often where God prepares us for what’s next, stripping away distractions so we can hear His voice. These moments are not wasted; they are sacred spaces where transformation begins. [59:14]
3. Miracles Follow Ridiculous Obedience The catch of fish came only after Peter obeyed a command that seemed illogical and inconvenient. God often asks us to take steps that don’t make sense to us, and it’s in those acts of “ridiculous” obedience that we see His miraculous provision. If we only obey when it’s comfortable or logical, we may miss the blessings He has in store. [67:54]
4. Confession and Surrender Lead to True Discipleship When Peter witnessed the miracle, he was overwhelmed by his own unworthiness and confessed his brokenness. Rather than disqualifying him, this humility positioned him to receive grace and a new calling. True discipleship begins not with self-sufficiency, but with honest confession and a willingness to surrender everything to Jesus. [73:59]
5. Jesus Models the Ultimate “Because You Say So” Life In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as you will,” embodying perfect obedience even when it led to the cross. Our Savior calls us to follow Him in this way—not because it’s easy or comfortable, but because His love and purpose for us are greater than our own plans. We are invited to become “because you say so” people, trusting Him with every step.

** [78:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Gathering and Greetings
[01:41] - Recognizing Upcoming Sixth Graders
[06:09] - Service Announcements
[08:37] - Honoring Graduates
[46:24] - Transition to Worship and Video
[49:25] - Prayer for Graduates
[51:35] - The Story of Peter: A Night of Disappointment
[53:01] - Jesus Interrupts the Routine
[54:19] - Peter’s Reluctant Obedience
[59:14] - The Deep Water: Isolation and Preparation
[67:54] - The Miraculous Catch and Its Cost
[73:59] - Confession, Grace, and Calling
[78:25] - Surrendering the Nets: What Are You Holding Onto?
[84:38] - Prayer Over Seniors
[89:40] - Closing Blessing and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Luke 5:1-11, what was Peter doing when Jesus first approached him, and how did Peter initially respond to Jesus’ request? [[53:01]]
According to the sermon, what was unusual about Jesus’ instructions to Peter regarding when and where to fish? [[59:14]]
What was Peter’s reaction after the miraculous catch of fish, and what did he say to Jesus? [[01:13:59]]
In Matthew 26:39, what does Jesus pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how does this connect to the phrase “because you say so”? [[01:18:25]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to interrupt Peter’s ordinary routine at a moment of exhaustion and disappointment? What might this say about how God works in our lives? [[52:10]]
The sermon mentions that isolation can be a place of preparation, not punishment. How does Peter’s experience in the “deep water” illustrate this idea? [[59:14]]
What does Peter’s confession of his own unworthiness (“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord”) reveal about the relationship between seeing Jesus clearly and seeing ourselves accurately? [[01:13:59]]
How does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (“Not as I will, but as you will”) serve as the ultimate example of obedience? What does this teach us about following God’s will, even when it’s difficult? [[01:18:25]]

Application Questions

Can you think of a time when you felt exhausted, disappointed, or at the end of your rope? Did you sense God inviting you to trust Him in that moment? What did you do? [[52:10]]
Are there areas in your life right now where you feel isolated or “in the deep water”? How might God be using this season to prepare you for something new? [[59:14]]
The sermon says, “Miracles follow ridiculous obedience.” Is there something God is asking you to do that doesn’t make sense to you right now? What would it look like to say, “because you say so”? [[01:07:54]]
Peter’s willingness to confess his brokenness led to a new calling. Is there something you need to confess or surrender to Jesus today? What’s holding you back? [[01:13:59]]
The nets represented Peter’s security, identity, and comfort. What are the “nets” in your life that Jesus might be asking you to lay down? How hard would it be for you to let go? [[01:18:25]]
Jesus modeled obedience even when it meant suffering and sacrifice. What is one practical way you can follow His example this week, even if it’s uncomfortable or costly? [[01:18:25]]
When you hear a challenging teaching from Jesus (like forgiving someone, loving your enemy, or serving in a new way), is your first response “because you say so,” or do you hesitate? What would help you trust Him more in those moments? [[54:19]]

Sermon Clips

Peter takes this step of obedience he says I don't get it I don't agree I've got major doubts that what is going on is going to do anything fruitful in my life in fact I just wash these nets now I'm going to have to wash them again. I know that what's going what I'm about to do is going to cost me some time it's going to cost me sleep all of my fisherman friend are standing on the banks watching me laughing saying they ain't gonna catch nothing but he says because you say so. [01:03:20] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

If we never see Jesus clearly, we will never obey Jesus fully. John says in chapter 8 31 and 32 so Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him if you abide in my word if you obey me you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. So if you abide, if you obey, the truth will set you free. The truth has a name, his name is Jesus. He claims to be the way, the truth and the life. So if we never obey, we may never know the truth. [01:14:25] (45 seconds) Edit Clip

Confessing our brokenness is not a disqualifier for discipleship, it's a prerequisite. Confessing our brokenness is not something that is going to disqualify us from being a child of God, it's something that God calls us to do, to confess, to confess, to confess our sins. Coming to this place of woe is me and get away from me and I'm unworthy is a prerequisite from following God. [01:15:41] (35 seconds) Edit Clip

It says they left everything and followed him. Follow the nets again, he's washing them, he's dropping them, he's pulling them up, they're breaking and now he's leaving them. These nets were everything that Peter knew up until this point, they're the picture of everything that life was, they are his identity, they are his security, they are his occupation, these are nets that provided everything that he had ever needed to this point in his life and he drops them and follows Jesus. [01:17:39] (46 seconds) Edit Clip

Is there anything that you're resisting that you sense God calling you into? What does it look like for you to live a because you say so type of life? What are you saying no to that you feel like Jesus is inviting you to? [01:19:03] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

Yet not as I will but because you say so is why Jesus died on the cross. Yet not as his will but as God's will. You see Jesus always set the example of Christian servanthood always even when it meant death because you say so. If it has to be this way I will follow you even to the cross because I love humanity that much because I love each and every person in this world that much. [01:21:10] (57 seconds) Edit Clip

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