06/01/2026
If You Say So
Ready:
“'Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.’ When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.” – Luke 5:5-7
Set:
To receive correction from another person requires humility. We’ve all been in a situation like Simon was in. He was an experienced fisherman, and yet he had a bad night on the lake. He toiled and toiled all night long trying to catch fish and caught nothing. Maybe on your team you’ve had a pretty dark night like Simon did. No matter how much effort you’ve put in, you’re just not seeing the results you’re wanting.
When Jesus came on the scene, Simon was already washing his nets with his fishing partners, and they were about to head home. But instead of heading home, they hung around to hear Jesus teach. I’m sure they were frustrated with the lack of fish they caught, but instead of isolating- they stuck around. Jesus chose Simon’s boat to stand in when the crowds started to push in. It was intentional. He knew all the effort they had put into the night before and how the results had left them disappointed and without profit. And once He was done teaching, He told Simon to “put out into deep water” and let down his nets for a catch.
From Simon’s point of view, he didn’t know Jesus was the Creator of the universe, the Son of God, the King of Kings – yet. All he knew about Jesus was that He was a good teacher and He had healed Simon’s mother-in-law earlier from a fever (Luke 4:39). So, for Jesus, a carpenter, to give Simon, an experienced fisherman, advice on where to throw his nets out at, it required a lot of humility from Simon to obey. Yet, Simon was coachable.
His words should stay on our hearts as athletes: “But if you say so, I’ll do it.” “Coach, this doesn’t make sense. I’ve worked so hard and put in all this effort and have seen no results. But if you say so, I’ll do what you’re asking me to do. I’ll try again.” That should be the creed stamped on the heart of every athlete. To not be so pridefully experienced in our sport that we are unable to receive correction and direction from those wanting to help us. Little did Simon know, Jesus actually created the fish they were catching, and He knew exactly where they were swimming. His Word could be trusted.
Go:
Where in your sport are you the most experienced?
How well do you receive correction and instruction in those areas from your coach?
What will you take with you from the story of Simon’s coachable moment on the water?
Workout:
For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
Romans 12:3
Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.
James 3:13
In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5
Overtime:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I know there are places in my life where You have given me great experience and understanding. I also know it is in those places that pride sometimes rises up in me. I pray You will help me to remember Simon’s attitude toward Jesus as He coached him to go out deeper for the fish. I pray for a soft heart towards those who are willing to get in my boat with me and teach me.”
