|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "My Saviour's Love"1 (Lyrics) |
Have you ever tried your best and come up empty?
I've fished many times and come up dry, but my grandmother rarely did. Had you seen her on the Santee River in her wooden boat and traditional garb, you would have assumed that she was a man out for a day of fishing. But my grandmother was a fisherwoman — and a good one at that. She went often and stayed long. When I tagged along, I knew that it was going to be an all-day affair. She prepared herself with frozen jugs of water and plenty of sandwiches — and her preparation normally paid off.
Jesus taught a great deal about another type of fishing, but used the literal act to teach the lesson.
Luke 5:4-5,10b – When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!" (NLT)
Whether it's talking to an unbeliever about Jesus, discovering our life's purpose, managing an investment, making a significant purchase, visiting the prisons, or inviting a neighbour over for dinner, Jesus knows more about fishing than I do. He can see my life from beginning to end in one fell swoop, so I should consult Him, regardless of what river I'm fishing in.
Christ can also give us wisdom for the fishing techniques we use. He's not only capable of engineering the end but He's also competent enough to help us with the details to reach the end.
I didn't always enjoy fishing all day with my grandmother — especially if the fish weren't biting, but her endurance taught me stamina. Jesus will give us stamina to enjoy the fishing we do when it's done in His name and with His guidance.
Are you fishing where Jesus says?
Prayer: Merciful Lord, guide us through our daily affairs with Your wisdom so that we might enjoy life in the fullest. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Good words!
Beautiful! Exactly what I needed this morning. God bless.
Just in case I am not fishing where Jesus says—thanks for the prayer. God Bless.
Thank you Martin. God has truly given you an exceptional talent. Your “net” must be full.
Thank God for grandmothers!
Thank God for the fishers!
Hey Martin,
Very interesting take on being fishers of men. I enjoyed it. Thanks.
Martin – thanks for sharing the memories of your grandmother. It made an interesting analogy.
Blessings.
Loved your devotion this morning. Thank you. It “spoke” to me for sure. May God continue to bless you as you share His love with others through your devotions.
Dear Martin Wiles,
You have given us another great devotional!
Yes, we can keep letting down the nets again and again, and hear Jesus say as we do so, “Don’t be afraid,” for he is with us guiding us in doing so.
Have you heard of the great miracle of the Wycliffe Bible Translator couple, John and Marjo Brownie and four accompanying men being dumped from a dinghy into the ocean between two islands in the Papua New Guinea area approximately 14 km (about midway) between two islands about 28 km apart? All are alive.
I pray that God will keep you writing devotions.
Great and necessary message!
Thank you.
This really hits home with me since I have loved fishing since I was a child. When I met Jesus I well understood His call to be a “fisher of men”. Thanks for reminding me what is really important in my life.