In the hustle of daily life, God often works through ordinary moments to achieve extraordinary purposes. Dr. Kevin Folger draws from the familiar story of Jesus calling His first disciples by the Lake of Gennesaret to reveal a timeless process. This message, delivered during our annual missions conference, challenges believers to open their lives fully to Christ’s direction. As William Carey once urged, expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. Through Peter’s encounter, we see how surrender leads to divine transformation and fruitful service.
Dr. Folger shared the story of William Carey, the father of modern missions. In 1792, Carey challenged preachers with his motto: expect great things from God and attempt great things for God. Sailing to India in 1793, he faced seven years of labour before the first convert. By his death in 1834, he had translated Scriptures into dozens of languages and established a college and seminary.
Not everyone is called to foreign fields, yet all should pray, “Lord, if you are willing, here am I, send me.” God works in every believer through a process. Peter, a product of this process, shows how God develops His people. Jesus’ ministry lasted only three and a half years, yet He trained men to carry the Gospel worldwide. Early one morning by the Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum, fishermen washed nets after a fruitless night. A crowd pressed upon Jesus, who stepped into Peter’s boat to teach. Afterward, He instructed Peter to launch into the deep.
He Must Be in Our Boat
For God to do great things, Jesus must be in our boat, symbolising our livelihood and deepest affections. Peter loved fishing; it was his life. Yet he allowed Jesus to use his boat. This starts with salvation. Every believer should recount their testimony of accepting Christ. Without salvation, Christ cannot work in a life. As Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) states, present your bodies a living sacrifice.
Beyond salvation comes full surrender. At age 16, during a missions conference, Dr. Folger yielded his plans to God at an altar. This changed his trajectory. God paid for all through Christ’s blood; He deserves everything. Partial surrender limits His work. Like purchasing an item and demanding all parts, God claims full ownership. Jesus in the boat means He controls direction.
Get Out of the Shallow Water and Get into the Deep Water
Jesus commanded, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (Luke 5:4, KJV). Many settle for shoreline Christianity: attending services, giving occasionally, but avoiding discomfort. Deep water brings God’s wonders. Psalm 107:23-31 (KJV) describes those who go to sea seeing the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep. Storms arise, yet crying to God calms them.
Nominal faith sees no miracles. Faith promise giving may feel unnerving, but obedience reveals God’s provision. Missionaries like Bob and Becky Mack in Ivory Coast faced coups and challenges yet saw churches and a Bible college established. Another, Jerry, overcame shyness to serve over 40 years in Kenya, reaching countless souls. Deep water demands engagement, even when unreasonable by human standards. Peter obeyed despite knowing it was not fishing time, and nets overflowed.
For Jesus to Do Something Special, You Must See Him Clearly
Peter initially called Jesus “Master,” a teacher. After the miracle, he cried, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8, KJV). Seeing Christ clearly reveals personal sinfulness, as with Moses and Isaiah. Self-exaltation stems from dim views of Jesus. Clear vision transforms perspective and direction.
Jesus Asks Us to Walk Away from Some Things
Finally, “they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11, KJV). The boat represented security, yet Christ became paramount. Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) urges laying aside weights and besetting sins. Frank, once wrecked by addiction and divorce, found salvation, reconciled his marriage, and built a business. Sensing a call, he sold everything, trained at a Bible institute, and planted churches in Ohio, now growing rapidly.
This process applies to all: salvation and surrender, deep-water obedience, clear vision of Christ, and forsaking hindrances. Where do you stand? Let God complete His work for eternal impact.
Conclusion
Peter’s boat left the shore that day, but his life never returned to ordinary. The process God began in a fisherman’s heart continues in every believer willing to follow. Tonight, the invitation stands: invite Christ fully into your boat, venture into the deep at His command, behold Him in His holiness, and release whatever He asks. Great things await not because of our strength, but because of His presence. Step forward in faith, and watch the Lord turn empty nets into overflowing harvests for His glory.
