Take the Initiative, Launch Out!

INSPIRE Devotionals With Emmanuel Afiawari Thursday, February 13, 2025 Topic: TAKE THE INITIATIVE; LAUNCH OUT! Bible Text:  ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭Luke 5:4‭-‬6 NKJV 4. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5. But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. INSPIRATION: One of the greatest setbacks of anyone is their ability to take the initiative and launch out. Many, for fear of failure, others for fear of success, and another group, the fear of criticism has made them immobile, incapacitated and docile. Launching into a new venture comes with a lot of calculated risks, but until you do, you would never know the potentials you have to hit big successes with it. Peter was asked to launch out but inertia almost ruined that miraculous moment when he said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing..." Fear will always present negative statistics but we must have the faith and resilient spirit of a, "...nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” Anytime we have a command from the Lord, this must be our response. Here's the point: there're ministries and ministry assignments to launch out into; business venture to explore and launch into; new partnership to establish; new pathways to discover, there're collaborations with the Holy Spirit that needs to be birthed; deeper intimacies to be initiated and driven by you, etc. Do not go down to the grave with all that energy, opportunity and potential. Stop procrastinating. Stop feeling inadequate or ill-prepared. No man has ever had enough preparation for anything big God is calling them into. Your case wouldn't be different. Peter didn't know the miraculous breakthrough that awaited him until he made the move. You don't know what you'll catch when you take that step. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit will teach you how and what to do. He will guide you when you launch TODAY'S TAKE HOME: Get specific divine instructions for your life and act on them immediately. Deal with your fears and do not allow the voice of negativity stop you. Partner with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to teach you what to do and how to do it. PRAYER: Dear Lord, teach me how to launch out into your ordained purposes for my life and give me the courage to stay true to a life of purpose. As I activate my faith and launch into whatever You lead me into, may I have net-breaking harvests for my efforts, in Jesus name.