In Luke 5:1-6, we read of Jesus' first encounter with Simon Peter, who had just experienced an unsuccessful fishing venture. After Jesus had spoken from Peter's boat to the crowd gathered at the Sea of Galilee, He instructed Peter to cast his nets once more. Peter told Jesus he and his companions had worked hard all night without catching anything, "but because you say so, I will let down the nets."

I like that  - "BUT BECAUSE YOU SAY SO."

How I wish I more often lived my life that way in relation to Jesus - responding in obedience to His instruction simply because He said so. 

Many of us can remember that phrase from childhood.  When we questioned our parents' instruction to do something, we may have been admonished with the response, "Because I said so."  It was a phrase that carried authority, but also, often unbeknownst to us at the time, it was for our good. 

Likewise, when my Heavenly Father's instruction seems contrary to what I want to do or what I perceive to be acceptable behavior or what I think makes sense, I tend to balk and ask why. 

When Jesus instructed Peter to let down his nets once more, Peter likely thought it was useless. He was tired, and it probably seemed quite futile to attempt to fish again in this spot, but he pushed all that rationale aside BECAUSE JESUS SAID SO and, as a result, he was bountifully blessed. 

"'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His Word;

Just to rest upon His promise,

And to know, 'Thus saith the Lord!'"

"Father, help me to set aside my own thoughts, wishes, preconceptions, and desires and to defer to Your instruction, trusting that it is for my good and will bring blessing, that it will result in the growth of my faith, and that it will bring honor to You.  Amen."