LAUNCH-OUT

Now when He had stopped speaking, He said unto Simon, “LAUNCH out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch – Luke 5:4

God is motivating us today to LAUNCH-OUT. This is not strange in the divine Vocabulary. Consider two occasions in the Bible. Luke 8:22 says, “Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with his disciples. And He said to them, “Let us GO OVER to the other side of the lake.” And they LAUNCHED OUT.” You cannot predict what can happen on any certain – even Today! Remarkable events happen on certain days, but only those who launch out experience such. To get anywhere, you must launch out for somewhere or you will get nowhere. The Lord knew that there were breakthroughs awaiting them on “the other side of the lake” – including the deliverance of the Gadarene demoniac! So, it was time to launch out. The Lord has vital assignments in store in your tomorrow for which you must prepare to launch out today! Do not hesitate or procrastinate.

Launching out does not infer that the trip would be trouble-free or the journey smooth sail all the way. But as long as you respond in obedience to God’s command, He who is the Lord over all storms will see you safely and victoriously to the other side. Psalm 89:9 says of Him: “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, You still them.” That’s exactly what the Lord Jesus did, and will do for whoever believes and trusts in Him. As the disciples launched out, “a windstorm came down on the lake” and threw them into jeopardy, but the Master arose to rebuke, first the wind (the invisible satanic force), “the raging of the water” (the visible, tangible threat), and then, their fear and unbelief (Lk.8:22-26). His Word will temper any tempest and silence any storm any day. His Word can be trusted. When God says, “Launch out” be prompt to obey.

The fifth chapter of Luke’s Gospel presents another moment of Motivation to LAUNCH OUT. Jesus had borrowed Peter’s boat as a platform to teach the assembled crowds by the lakeside. This was after futile and fruitless toiling through the night and catching no fish. Peter and his co-fishermen had given up hope and were already washing their nets to retire home. Having ministered to the multitude, the Lord Jesus then gave singular attention to Peter, with the seemingly ridiculous command: “LAUNCH OUT into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (v.4). Here was a silent test of trust and loyalty. Yes, Peter was prepared to comply with the Master’s instruction, but one can imagine the soft whisper of the professional fisherman’s mind: “How could such a morning be the right time for fishing? Would I not end up as a laughing-stock?” Faith doesn’t make sense; but it certainly makes miracles. It did for Peter. Faith in God’s Word will make miracles for you!

Peter remembered the efficacy of God’s Word, but his hesitant reply shows the fierceness of the battle that was raging within him: “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless AT YOUR WORD I will let down the net” (v5). He yielded dominion to the Lord, passed the test and won the victory! Decision plus expectation plus action equals results. Peter decided, expected, and acted in obedience. Although he had toiled all night with great failure, at the Word of the Lord, he had a great success. Just ONE WORD from Jesus moved him from the brink of bankruptcy to the miraculous realm of net-breaking, boat-filling harvest. Are you going through tough times in life? Are you struggling in business, career or ministry? Believe this: “…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psa.30:5b).

The Master Motivator is visiting you for a change of fortune. Hand over your life’s boat to Him. Give Him the dominion over your life’s affairs; and He’ll show you in what direction to launch out. The nights of futile toiling will give way to the Dawn of Abundance in Jesus name!