Cast Your Nets

Cast Your Nets
By Emil Carsen

“He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ 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.’ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.”
Luke 5:4-6

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In Cast Your Nets, the disciples’ weary faces and empty nets capture a moment familiar to many of us: exhaustion after sincere effort, disappointment after doing all we know how to do. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Then Jesus said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets.” Though tired, Peter responded, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” The result was a catch so great their nets began to break.

This scene reminds us that faith often requires us to act when we feel least capable. Russell M. Nelson has taught: “The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.” When we choose to trust Him—even when we’re tired, uncertain, or discouraged—we open ourselves to His power.

Faith is not a passive virtue; it is a principle of action. It means trying again, even when previous efforts have failed. Dietrich Bonhoeffer explained, “Faith is only real when there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience.” Though exercising the necessary faith can be hard in the moment, Dieter F. Uchtdorf has offered this encouragement: “If ever you are tempted to become discouraged... hold on a little longer. You can do this!” His words remind us that perseverance, coupled with faith, invites miracles.

In our own lives, we may feel like those disciples—exhausted, with empty nets. But as we act in faith, trusting in the Savior’s guidance, we may find our efforts blessed beyond expectation. This miraculous scene serves as a visual testament to the rewards of faithful obedience.

Let us remember that when we are willing to “launch out into the deep” at the Savior’s word, even after a long night of toil, He can fill our nets in ways we never imagined.


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