And You reach for me / With a love that quiets all my fears…/ So many people in this world / But I hear You calling out my name./ You reach for me./ Now I’m never gonna be the same – Peter Furler, Reach, from the 2011 Album “On Fire”
I’ve only fished a handful of times in my life and never with live bait. I’ve lost a hook to a nasty Northern Pike. I’ve never caught a fish. If I had, I would have thrown it back. The thought of eating what I’ve caught has never occurred to me. I have very little patience when it comes to fishing. I don’t enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s probably safe to say, I am a horrible fisherman. And yet, my Savior calls me to be a fisher of men. How am I to successfully do this? I officially hate fishing.
The truth is, we are all called to fish for souls if we claim Christ as our master. It’s not a suggestion for if and when we feel like it. It’s not a suggestion for if and when we get good at it. It’s not a suggestion only for those who enjoy the past-time. And it’s not a way of saying everybody has to do the job the same way.
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He told them He would teach them to fish for men, He was meeting them where they were and encouraging them to use their already developed talents and skills for Him. And so it is with us. He’s not calling each of us to be fishermen, per say. As we’ve already established, I’m not much of one. But I do have talents and skills that He wants me to use for Him and His purpose of saving people.
One of my gifts is writing; hence, this blog. I am fishing for souls with each entry. I also have a heart to serve people. I am fishing for souls with each person I reach out to and serve. Which begs the question, what are your talents and skills? What are your gifts? More importantly, how are you using them to fish for souls? The Body of Christ has a diverse membership fully capable of diversely fishing for souls in a diverse world. Yet lately, it seems we are content to sit on the dock and yell at the fish to jump into our pews – or worse, throw dynamite – instead of seeing how far and wide we can cast our nets.
The command has been issued. What are you waiting for? Reach out. Go fish! And if you’re already fishing, keep it up. That’s how the lost get found.
The Winding Road 