Where Are You Fishing?

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The road that leads to destruction is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. (Matt 7:13)

When I was younger my mom took me to one of those paid fishing ponds. I rented a pole, they gave me some bait, and I could throw my line anywhere in the water, and presto a fish! The place would even fillet my catch for me. Even as a kid, this quickly lost its luster.

A few years back, a friend of mine took me out to the Gulf to go fishing. We went out on his boat under less than perfect conditions. We were out on the water for hours. We would have to focus on specific locations in the bay, we couldn’t just drop a line anywhere and expect results. Even when we found a prime spot, frustration would set in as the enemy would swipe my bait. I finally settled in and became patient. I would cast out, let settle, and slowly reel in over and over again. At last, a bite! I yanked back and set the hook. I reeled in, let out the drag, reeled some more again and again, and after working up a sweat, I finally hauled in my catch. I was overwhelmed with accomplishment and was ready for more!

The contrast between these two scenarios illustrates the importance of focused, patient attention. It’s not to say that when I was at the fishing pond, I was headed for destruction, but the end result had no meaning or substance. As I have gone through my life to this point, there have been many times I was able to throw my line in anywhere for instant satisfaction and let my desires lead the way. This always led to disappointment, heartache, low self worth and/or destruction.

As I sit now, I am learning to fish with my heart, which is surrounded by the love of the Lord. I know that when I remain aware of this love, that my decisions are more in tune with his will for me. This is not always easy for me…but I’m working on it.

May God bless you and give you Grace!