Deciding Factor

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." ~ Luke 5:4-5


There are over 3,000 promises in the Bible and for each one, there is a premise--something we must do in order to get the promise.  In the verses above, the promise is the catch and the premise is to put out into deep water and let down the nets. But between the promise and the payoff (the promise fulfilled), there is the deciding factor--the time in which we determine if we are going to be obedient.  Obedience is doing what was asked of us the first time and with a good attitude by someone in authority.  Waiting till something is convenient, or going through the motions grumbling all the way, is considered by most parents as disobedience.  God's the same way: He wants us to obey when He calls and with a good attitude and not when and how we feel like it.  All of the heroes  we have in the Bible would be lost to us if they had each waited till they felt like it.


The next time someone in authority over you--whether it's God or your boss--asks you to do something, be determined to do it.  Now, the person doing the asking may not be the one doing the rewarding, but God knows your heart and He will reward you.


I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve. ~ Jeremiah 17:10