Presence Over Provision

Often, I feel guilty about writing because I've convinced myself that I must be an expert in whatever I write about. No one imposed this expectation on me, and I haven't had a negative experience with readers here. It's simply a misconception that I've adopted.

To anyone who speaks, teaches, shares, or writes: expertise is not a prerequisite for sharing. Don’t believe this lie!

What I'm writing about is something both old and new to me. I've understood this theologically for a long time (the old), but I'm only beginning to live it out now (the new). It's taken a while for this truth to move from my head to my heart. I'm not an expert on this; I'm still learning!

Recently, while preparing to share a message with adult leaders and pastors at a CentriKid Camp, the Lord spoke to me. I believe He spoke to benefit my heart and, hopefully, theirs too.

This truth comes from a familiar passage: Luke 5:1-10.

In this passage, a crowd pressed around Jesus, so He entered a boat, pushed out a little from the shore, and began to teach.

This scene contrasts sharply with our modern churches where teachers often stand on platforms, elevated above the congregation. Jesus, however, demonstrated humility in both heart and physical posture. He didn’t position Himself prominently; instead, He taught from a boat on the water’s edge.

In verse four, Jesus instructs Simon (later known as Peter) to venture into deep water and cast out the nets again.

Simon hesitates verbally and physically. He says (in my interpretation), "We've been fishing all day, Jesus, and caught nothing. We've already cleaned and packed our nets for tomorrow."

I imagine Simon's embarrassment, akin to a doctor without patients.

But then Peter continues, "Yet if You say so, I will let down the nets."

I want this statement to echo in my heart: when I've exhausted all efforts in my marriage, "if You say so, I will do it"; when I've given my all at work without success, "if You say so, I will do it"; when I've advised friends and am at a loss, "if You say so, I will do it." There have been times I've given up, lacking trust in the Lord.

But in Luke 5, Peter trusts that Jesus sees what he cannot: "if You say so, I will let down the nets."

The story unfolds predictably: they catch so many fish that their nets tear and boats begin to sink.

When Simon Peter witnesses this, he falls at Jesus's knees.

It doesn’t say they secured all the fish, prepared them, and then Peter fell at Jesus’s knees.

It happened as soon as Simon Peter saw it.

This moment is crucial because Peter desired Jesus's presence over His provision. I'm guilty of wanting God’s presence only when I receive His provision.

Why is this? When did this start in my life?

I believe it began when I mistakenly thought God loved me only when I performed correctly—a performance-based theology. If I act or "am" right, then God loves me.
When my view of my Heavenly Father skews, my life with and for Him follows suit.
However, when I grasp God's unconditional love, I live knowing His presence isn't contingent on His provision.

God's presence IS His provision. Through Jesus Christ, we have daily access to His presence.

Jesus is God’s ultimate provision. Through Him, we find a way to connect with our Heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 CSB).
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Like Peter, I strive to live this out in three ways:

1. Do I see Jesus as God's ultimate provision?
2. Do I desire God's presence more than what He can do for me?
3. Do I live as though Jesus's presence is more valuable to me than His provision?

​Will you join me in this journey?