Recently we stayed at a cabin on the lake with some dear friends. It brought back some sweet memories of when my granddaddy used to take me fishing. Fishing was just one of those things I only did with my granddaddy to spend time with him. It wasn’t something I enjoyed, but it was something he liked to do. He was sweet enough to let me tag along. He even put up with me getting grossed out by baiting the hook; I detested it! In fact, he would just do it for me.
It’s been a long time since I went fishing. Every time we go camping, my precious husband and my little man go fishing. My lovely girls and I usually hang around the camp site for some worm-free girl time.
I was thinking the other day about the fact that I’m a lot tougher than I used to be. I think now I could probably handle baiting a hook. Growing up, being a wife and mother, it toughens you up a bit. In fact, life is always about learning and growing, leaving our comfort zone. God uses the life lessons and skills of motherhood to prepare you for something more–something bigger than yourself and your little corner of the world.
It reminds me of the story in Matthew 4, where Jesus uses the life lessons and skills of Simon and Andrew, two simple fishermen, for something bigger than they could have ever dreamed.
Matthew 4:18-20: “Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was 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.
Sometimes Jesus calls us to leave our comfort zones in our little corners of the world. He calls us to follow Him, to serve Him, to serve others, to help others find God, to be fishers of men. We need to take these life lessons and use them the way God intended–for His glory. The disciples did not hesitate. The Bible says “at once” they left their nets and followed Him.
Everyday we encounter strangers, loved ones, acquaintances, neighbors, and friends, who are floundering around without God. Let’s get out there, get our hands dirty, bait those hooks, and be productive for His Kingdom. The time is now–it’s time to be fishers of men!