Monday’s Musings: Finding the Deep Waters

 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. …. When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.”  Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.”  So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting..…Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.”  From Luke 5

At our staff retreat Friday, we read and meditated on Luke 5. When we were asked what image or phrase stood out for us I wrote down “deep water.”  Jesus told Simon to put out into the deep water and to put down his nets. And although Simon and the others had fished the night before and had caught nothing, this time the catch was abundant.
For our church where is the deep water?  Where do we as members and friends of Hapeville First UMC need to cast our nets as fishers of people?  Where is the abundant catch?  They didn’t catch fish in the “shallow water” close to shore, for us within the walls of our church and our very familiar surroundings.  We’ve fished those waters.  Where must we cast our nets for a successful catch?  I ask that each of you be in deep prayer with holy listening to discover the answer to that question for yourself and the church. 

Holy God, please lead us to deep water.  Help us find the people who need the ministry of our church.  We ask that you guide us in all our endeavors to grow your church.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a Blessed Week,
Paige