Mark 1:17 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Every since I’ve known my husband, he’s loved fishing. He fishes in the sun and the rain, he fishes when it’s hot and when it’s cold; he fishes with a crowd or alone,  and he’ll fish early in the morning or late at night. I felt like I asked the same question every time he got home from fishing, “So, what did you catch today?” “Oh nothin! Guess they weren’t bite'in today. But, I’m going back tomorrow.” After several of these responses, I really wanted to know what kept him going fishing day after day when he didn’t catch anything. But there was something to learn from his persistence.

Jesus told Simon and Andrew that he would make them fishers of men. Obviously he had observed that they fished often—and being Jesus, He was ready to use their passions for the sake of the Kingdom. What a brilliant concept! Throw out some bait, (the outrageous love of God), catch someone’s attention, (draw him close by sharing great news—the Gospel), and when you sense that you have connected with his heart—(a yielding to Christ), bring him in! Take it easy! No sudden, jerky moves…and you’ve got a catch for the Kingdom!

I was having a conversation with a friend one day; we began talking about fishing. I suddenly remarked, “I don’t like fishing! Fish stink!” As quickly as I made the comment the thought came to my mind, “but you used to be a fish!” I recognized the person of the Holy Spirit speaking, and as my thoughts turned toward this scripture, I said “Wow,  that’s not what I meant.”

My feelings toward fishing changed that day…and so did my response to my husband when he said he fished all day and caught nothing. Someone fished for me one day and when they pulled me out of the mucky waters, I’m quite sure I stank, but she brought me home to “Abba” Father anyway.

Our daily activities take us pass many different fishing holes. We just have to be ready to drop our line. So let’s bait up! I’m going fishing today. Won’t you join me? We used to be fish, but now, we’re fishers of men. And if we don’t get a bite, it’s okay. We’ll just go back tomorrow, if the Lord allows.

Father, thank you for the opportunity to win souls for your Kingdom--to be a fisher of men. Today I release myself to be used of you in the uniqueness of who I am to establish a relationship with someone who is in need of you. Your word declares that he what winneth souls is wise (Prov 11:30). Let me be wise for you. In Jesus' name, Amen.