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“And He (Jesus) said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 (ESV)

From shore, the weathered pier appeared to sway and vibrate as the waves crashed around it.  Yet the unstableness of the pier didn’t deter the fishermen from hanging out from early dawn to past midnight. Didn’t matter what age or gender, those feet moving across the planks had one thing in mind and that was fishing.

While I know absolutely nothing about fishing, I do know one thing – those people on the pier were willing to endure sweltering heat and humidity for the chance to bring home a catch.  Why?  Because the pier attracts fish in greater numbers; it’s the perfect place for fish to hide and feed.

If ordinary people can endure the elements for the chance at a catch couldn’t we do the same?

Walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. What were these two fishermen doing?  Casting their net into the sea hoping to bring a big catch home.  And then Jesus offered them the greatest invitation ever, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Their resounding yes changed their lives and the rest of the world forever.

As followers of Jesus, we have been extended the same invitation to share the gospel with our world.  To be committed, dedicated and persevering fishers of men.   To go and make disciples of all nations. To share our God story undeterred by the obstacles in our path.  To endure the elements with a strategic focus to bring others to Jesus. To rid ourselves of excuses and stay the course.

Keeping it real here –  we are the diligent sowers and He is the reaper.  In His kindness, Jesus draws others to Himself and to repentance. We don’t need to intimidate or harass people to follow Jesus. But we do need to seize every opportunity to present the gospel in a way that attracts others to accept Jesus as their Savior.

How do we do that?  By sharing our God story, we help others to see the tangible, visible side of our faith. No one’s story is the same as your story and no one can tell your story like you. When we make a personal connection with someone about our faith we are sowing seeds.  When we treat others with love and respect, even though they are different from us, we are sowing seeds.  When we lay aside judgment and meet people where they are offering them a freedom that can only be found in Jesus, we are planting seeds. When we welcome questions and stick to the truth of God’s word, not our personal agendas, we are sowing seeds. In other words, we provide the perfect environment to attract the lost and purposefully pray their eyes would be open to the grace, forgiveness and love of our God.

Sounds like we know more about fishing than we thought.  God has equipped us with everything we need to make a difference in our world and bring to our Heavenly home an abundant catch. By following Jesus, we will automatically default to fishing for the hearts and souls of those He brings into our path.

“Father, help us to release our fears and boldy share our God story with others.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life