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I grew up fishing with my dad. He was a bass fisherman so our family went every week possible in the summer to different lakes in the area for fishing tournaments. From a very early age I could bait a hook (yes, with live bait), set the hook, remove fish from lures without getting stuck, and proudly lip that fish with my thumb to pose for pictures.
Did you know Jesus liked to spend a lot of time near the water? In Bible times, fishing was one of the most common occupations. It was how many people earned money and fed their families. When Jesus told his disciples that He would make them fishers of men, surely they were able to easily understand this metaphor.
Have you ever noticed that this sport is called “fishing” and not “catching”? As a very young girl, I would often get impatient waiting for a nibble. This same thing happened when Simon Peter and some of the other disciples were fishing.
They had gone out one night and not caught any fish. Jesus instructed them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. After doing so, they caught so many fish that they were surprised the net did not tear.
In 1 Peter 3:15, we are told to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” Listen for Jesus’ still small voice directing you when and where to cast your net. With whom does He want you to share His truth?
Finally, remember patience as I did while I was fishing growing up. With the Apostle Paul, we can proclaim, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).”
Lord God, there are so many lost who need to be caught and captivated by the net of your love and truth. We want to be your faithful disciples. Help us to listen, trust, and obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
that was such a nice and relevant story you wrote, Ang.
Your friend,
Jennifer
Dear Sister Angie,
Good article. I still often become impatient when I fish. I guess because I’m just out there to get and not to just enjoy the time I spend there. I think the same thing can happen when we share God’s love. We can easily get discouraged or impatient when we are always sharing but never actually winning anyone over. However, we need to remember that His will for each person will happen in His perfect timing.
Good Job,
Maiden Princess
wwww.homeschoolblogger.com/undercover
I have really happy memories of fishing with my dad when I was a child. We never caught anything, but we had great conversations.
Thanks most of all for the reminder to be a fisher of men.