InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Come & Dwell
    • Scripture Writing
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
  • Prodigal Prayers
    • Prodigal Prayers Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

Sweeter Than Honey: Let Down Your Nets Like Peter

11/18/2025

2 Comments

 
In Sweeter Than Honey: Let Down Your Nets Like Peter, discover how obedience, even after failure, leads to #God’s miraculous provision. Based on Luke 5:1-11, this #devotional #encourages weary #believers to #trust #Jesus’ Word, let down their nets again, and find renewed #faith, #purpose, and fruitfulness. When we step out in faith--just like Peter--God fills our empty nets and hearts with His power and #grace. Perfect for those seeking #encouragement in seasons of #waiting or #discouragement.
What if we spent a few quiet moments with God each morning? What if we were intentional about making time for it? And what if we committed to doing that all year long—only to find that by the end of the year, we had read the entirety of God’s Word—His love letter to us?

How many times have you, on January 1, resolved to read the Bible from cover to cover in a year? I’ve made that commitment more times than I can count—and I’ve failed more times than I’d like to admit. But a few years ago, I tried something different. I used a one-year, chronological order of book authorship Bible Reading Itinerary.

Did you know that Genesis wasn’t the first book of the Bible written? While these plans can vary—since it’s impossible to pinpoint exact dates for some books—the plan I used began with the book of Job.

​Sweeter Than Honey is a 365-day devotional journey ​that leads the reader
​through God's Word ​in chronological order of book authorship.

Sweeter Than Honey
Let me introduce you to Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey, a devotional patterned after that Bible Reading Itinerary. On Tuesdays, through the end of the year, I’d love for you to join me as we journey through parts of Sweeter Than Honey together!

As we look ahead to 2026, why not make a plan now—either on your own or with your small group, Sunday school class, or women’s Bible study—to read through the Bible together using the Sweeter Than Honey Bible Reading Plan? Imagine the growth, encouragement, and community that could come from walking through God’s Word side by side for an entire year!

Luke 5-8: Let Down Your Nets Like Peter

"On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the Word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, He asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your Word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." (Luke 5:1-11)
When Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (5:4), He wasn’t telling Peter to do something he hadn’t done a thousand times before. This wasn’t something new to Peter. It was something Peter did time and time again, day after day, night after night. It was Peter’s career. He was a fisherman. He was used to going out into the deep water and letting down the nets. As a matter of fact, Peter had been doing just that thing all night long, with no good results. Without hesitation, Peter lets Jesus know that they had been fishing all night and caught nothing.
​
Has God called you to a difficult work—a work that has produced no fruit? Maybe, like Peter, you have been toiling a very long time, you’re tired, you’re frustrated, you’ve seen no reward for your toil.
Be encouraged today, friend, that Jesus can change all of this just as He did for Peter and the other disciples! Peter believed in Jesus, and his faith was rewarded. After giving excuses, Peter said, “But at Your Word I will let down the nets” (5:5). And when he did, a great thing happened—a miracle. Suddenly, there was a “large number of fish” (5:6), the Bible tells us. This catch was so large that their nets were breaking.
Today, I want you to think about that work you’ve been toiling at without any fruit. Maybe it’s a child, a prodigal, that you simply can’t seem to reach. Maybe it’s a co-worker that you’ve witnessed to countless times. Maybe it’s a relationship you are trying to restore. Whatever that work is, I want you to ask God today to fill your nets until they break. Ask for fruit for your labor. Like Peter said, “But at Your Word I will let down the nets.” Believe, have faith, and continue to let down your nets as Peter did.
What “empty nets” in your life might Jesus be asking you to lower again—trusting that this time, at His Word, the outcome will be different?
About Sweeter Than Honey
Spending time in God’s Word each day changes everything. It brings peace in chaos, strength in weakness, and direction for whatever lies ahead. Scripture truly is God’s Love Letter to us—personal, powerful, and life-giving.

Even in our busiest seasons, there’s always time to meet with Him—early in the morning, late at night, or somewhere in between. When we make space for His Word, we allow His truth to shape our thoughts, guide our steps, and overflow into the lives of those around us.
Sweeter Than Honey
That’s why I created Sweeter Than Honey—a 365-day devotional journey designed to help busy women read through the entire Bible in one year. Inspired by Psalm 119:103—“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”—this devotional offers daily encouragement rooted in Scripture.

Each day includes a short devotion and reading itinerary that follows the Bible in chronological order of book authorship. By year’s end, you’ll have read the entire Bible while deepening your relationship with the Author Himself.

You’ll find encouragement on every page to seek God first, experience His presence in new ways, and live each day with purpose and peace. Sweeter Than Honey isn’t just another devotional—it’s a keepsake for your journey of faith.

Join the private Facebook group to connect with other believers, share insights, and grow together in God’s Word.

What Readers Are Saying
“As the leader of a small group journeying through "Sweeter Than Honey: A 365-Day Devotional Journey" this year, I can confidently say this study has been nothing short of life-changing. We are on the brink of wrapping up our exploration of God's Word together, and the impact has been profound. Utilizing the free media kit to spread the word about our small group, we encouraged everyone to find an accountability partner, and the discoveries we've made are nothing short of extraordinary. When I encouraged my group to read God's Word like a love letter, expecting daily guidance, we found peace in chaos and strength for weaknesses. The Bible, alive and relevant, became a source of inspiration for our everyday lives. Even on our busiest days, we carved out precious moments to refocus on what's truly important. Getting up a bit earlier or staying up a few minutes later became a small sacrifice for the immense gain we experienced. And now, as we approach the end, we're already talking about reading through the Bible with the Sweeter Than Honey plan, again, next year! That’s how impactful this study has been. Our intentional focus on God's Word inspired us to live out our faith daily, becoming beacons of light for those around us. The Scripture readings and the practical, life-giving devotionals in "Sweeter Than Honey" met us right where we needed guidance. Through this journey, the girls in our group gained clarity, understanding that God sees them, knows them intimately, and cares about every detail of their existence. His love letter became a tangible reality. To those considering this devotional journey: Be intentional. Gather your girls and dive into God's Word together. There's truly nothing like it. You can do this, and the rewards are beyond measure!” —Sarah
​
Get Started Today
Want to try it out? Download January for free and begin your journey through God’s Word today!

Leading a small group, Sunday school, or Bible study? Download the FREE Media Package, complete with planning tools, promotional materials, and leader resources—everything you need to guide your group confidently through Sweeter Than Honey.

IE Link-up logo
Thank you for joining the InstaEncouragements weekly Christian link-up! We’d love it if you could grab our IE link-up button, add it to your blog, and link back to this post. We truly appreciate your support. 

​If you’re new to link-ups, be sure to check out our IE LINK-UP page for a brief explanation and a list of other link-ups you can participate in. Have an amazing week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Picture
2 Comments
Michele Morin link
11/18/2025 09:05:04 am

Peter's story really is a tale for the tired and the discouraged servant of God. Thanks for making that point!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
11/21/2025 05:14:52 am

Yes, exactly, Michele!! That’s such a beautiful way to put it. Peter’s story brings hope not just to the strong, but especially to the weary—to those who’ve been laboring in the deep, tired of “nothing to show.” When Jesus tells him to let down his nets again, it reminds us that our calling isn’t finished just because our efforts haven’t borne fruit yet. I love that! :)

Thank you for sharing your heart. I pray that we all feel renewed courage today to keep obeying, trusting that Jesus is working—even in what feels like empty nets.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    ​Hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy
    Prodigal Prayers cover
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    16 Names of God and What They Mean
    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    10 Favorite Bible Verses on Adoption
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Shaddai
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Olam
    3 Practical Points
    ​about Prayer
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Living Our Days
    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Hey Mama! PRAY
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Prodigal Prayers
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Sons Of Korah

    Archives

    December 2025
    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Come & Dwell
    • Scripture Writing
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
  • Prodigal Prayers
    • Prodigal Prayers Media Package