Where's your fishing hole?

"While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22

Of all of the people Jesus could have chosen to be his first disciples, did you ever wonder why he chose fishermen? They weren't schooled, wealthy or religious. They certainly weren't the best mannered, dressed or the picture of piety either. In the world's eyes, they really had nothing to offer. But God wasn't looking for any thing they had to offer but what He could offer through them. He was looking for people that knew how to fish. He was looking for those people who were willing to go where the fish are (you can't fish in a dry pond), willing to bait their hook and willing to cast it into a sea that may not accept it. Except these weren't fish Jesus was talking about... they were souls.

The bible says that Simon and Andrew, after being called, "Immediately left their nets and followed Him."  And James and John, after being called, "Immediately left the boat and their father and followed him." What makes a good fisherman and follower is merely a person willing to pursue "the catch" at all costs... even if it means leaving things behind.  Jesus knew that the job would need someone willing to put in long, hard hours with no recognition, very little pay and continue even in bad or dangerous conditions. This is exactly what a good fisherman does. They know that hard work pays off. And a good fisherman knows there are days when you will catch nothing, days you will catch a few and days when your nets won't hold the day's catch. But, they never give up! They sometimes have to change their fishing spot or their bait but they never quit!

God is looking for those people willing to be "fishers of men".   If you are willing, God will use you regardless of who you have been (2 Corinthians 5:17) or where you have been. The fish are biting, are you willing to cast your line? 

Heavenly Father, may we all be willing to be "fishers of men", to go out into a world that may reject us and cast our lines. May we be strong in the face of criticism and bold in the face of obstacles. May we serve you at all costs and go out looking for that perfect "fishing hole" and then the next and the next and the next until your nets overflow. Today we choose to leave our nets and follow You. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org

Fishers of Men - Newsboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU2N9kWGG-o