Wanna go Fishin’?

In this world that is becoming more technological by the day, I have recently discovered that an old past time has stood the rest of time. There are those games ‘wii‘ play that simulate various sports and other activities but I wonder, how many people just go to a local creek or pond and go fishing? You know? The way Andy did with Opie on the Andy Griffith show. It’s hard to keep from whistling along with the song when the intro to the show begins, isn’t it? It just gives us a lighthearted feeling inside.

My husband loves to fish. I, on the other hand, do not. (Of course I am the one who doesn’t like to have ‘fun’ anyway.) I do enjoy the company of the people fishing, that’s the fun of it for me. I just have no desire to bait a hook, pull one out of the mouth of a fish, or even handle a fish at all. I thought that, anymore, it is mostly those who live by the water, or who own a boat were the ones that still enjoy it. I now believe I may have been wrong. Either that, or fishing is making a comeback.

Lately I have been hearing more kids saying they like to fish. With all the ‘work’ involved with sports these days, maybe the appeal is the relaxed atmosphere that is sometimes accompanied by ‘victory’ (the catch). The attraction could be the solitude if one is an introvert. Or it could be the bonding time when joined by a friend or family member. Whichever it is, it is wholesome, productive activity. And as it is with most things, the more you do it the more likely you are to get better at it. You may even get to share a good fish dinner when you’re done!

Luke 5:4-6 (NLT) When He finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5 Master, Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and did not catch a thing. But if you say so I will let the nets down again.” 6 And this time the nets were so full they began to tear.

We can get discouraged when our invitations to church fall on deaf ears or when the altar is empty at altar call. But we, like Simon can’t see what’s going on beneath the surface… who’s heart it is that God may be calling? Our efforts do not bring the results. We see results when people respond to God calling them. We need only to follow His instructions.

Matthew 4:19 (NLT) Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me and I will show you how to fish for people!”

If we haven’t gone fishing for a while perhaps it’s time to dust off our fishing poles and start fishing. Invite someone along, let down the nets, and wait to see who Jesus brings in.