At Thy Word With Reverend Matthew WatleySample

Day 4: I’m Over It

Peter had every reason to be frustrated. He was tired, disappointed, and likely embarrassed after a night of failure. The same nets he had thrown countless times before had come up empty, and now he was left cleaning them as a symbol of another wasted effort. Anyone who has ever poured energy, time, or prayer into something that didn’t work out knows that feeling. It’s the quiet ache of defeat mixed with the temptation to quit. Peter wasn’t just physically exhausted; he was emotionally drained. His best efforts had produced nothing, and he was ready to be done.

But then, Jesus stepped into his boat. Without warning, Peter’s workplace became a classroom for faith. After finishing His teaching, Jesus gave an instruction that made no sense: “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter could have easily refused. Logic told him it wouldn’t work. Experience told him it wasn’t worth it. Pride told him he knew better. Yet something in Peter’s spirit leaned toward surrender.

“Nevertheless, at Your word…” that simple phrase changed everything. It was the moment his faith spoke louder than his frustration. It shifted his posture from defeat to expectation, from exhaustion to obedience. What Peter didn’t realize was that Jesus wasn’t just after fish; He was after Peter’s heart. This was a divine setup to remind him that results come not from effort alone, but from obedience to God’s Word.

Peter’s obedience in that moment didn’t just fill his net; it filled his partners’ boats, too. His personal breakthrough became a collective blessing. That’s what happens when we decide to be over it; over our past disappointments, over our fear, over our need to control outcomes. We discover that obedience is the bridge between what was and what will be.

When Peter chose to trust, the same waters that once represented failure became the scene of overflow. That’s the beauty of obedience; God can take the very place of your disappointment and turn it into a demonstration of His power.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where might God be calling you to launch out again, even after disappointment?
2. What does it mean for you to say, “Nevertheless, at Your word,” in this season?
3. How might your obedience create overflow for someone else?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to trust You beyond my limits. When I am tired, discouraged, or uncertain, give me the strength to obey anyway. Teach me to let go of what’s behind and launch into the deep, knowing Your Word never returns void. May my obedience not only change my life but also bless others through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.