And when Jesus had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 

 

And Simon answered, “Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 

 

Luke 5:4-5

 

Simon Peter tells Jesus that they had just fished and caught nothing. They fished at night because it was cooler then and the fish would come up toward the surface of the water. Now that it is warm, the fish won’t be around. Furthermore, if he lets down the nets then he has to wash them all over again. And, more than all that, Simon Peter could say to Jesus, “You are a rabbi and a carpenter, but I am the fisherman.”

 

However, Simon Peter doesn’t say any of that. He goes out deeper and puts out the nets. At this point in life, Simon Peter doesn’t know Jesus all that well, but he respects him enough to listen to him and give his words a chance. 

 

You may doubt that people who are unconnected to Jesus would ever accept an invitation to church. Maybe you doubt that investing in others is even your responsibility. Confess those concerns to God. Then pray something similar to Simon Peter: “Master I don’t think they are interested in you or in coming to church, but at your word I will make an effort.”