FOLLOW ME AND…FISH
“Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Mark 1:17
Mark 1:17 tells me my mission for Jesus is to fish for people. As I ponder this verse, I wonder, “How do I fish for people? Will anyone want to listen to me when I do get their attention?” This may seem like an effortless mission, but it isn’t. There are so many insecurities that arise with the thought of fishing for people.
God, I want to be obedient to You, but how? Let’s examine this verse to see how we can accomplish this task. First, Jesus tells us to follow. How do I follow Him? I feel going to His word would be the first step. His word tells me when I cry out to Him, He will answer me from His mountain. ( Psalms 3:4) The Lord declares I am His witness and His servant whom He has chosen. (Isaiah 43:10) If I lack wisdom or knowledge, His word tells me to ask, and He will give me wisdom, generously and ungrudgingly. ( James 1:5-8)
Step one: “Father God, give me the wisdom to know who I need to be a witness to today. Give me the wisdom to know how I can witness to Your people. Give me the words and the knowledge to bring Your light and joy to every person you put in my path today.”
“ And I will make you fish for people.” My husband and I like to fish. ( Well, me “likes”, husband “loves.”) My husband has taught me the importance of putting the right bait out for the type of fish I’m trying to catch. There is no book on bait for people like the books you can find for fish. How do I find how to help each person and bring them to the love of Christ? We must be intentional daily to look for people who need a Perfect Friend. The Friend who is there 24/7, who is always ready to listen, help, and guide. When I see that person in need, what bait do I use? His word tells me Kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32) Above all else, love them like you love yourself. ( Matthew 22:39) Do for them what you would want done for you. ( Luke 6:31)
Each day as we should intentionally look for people to love and to show God’s love and joy. Let’s remember that it doesn’t have to be anything grand. It can be a simple smile, or quickly asking how their day is. Asking people if they need prayer and offering to pray. We never know what is going on in others lives. Praying for people as you pass their home, when you see an accident, as your sitting in traffic, waiting for an appointment or anytime you are out an about; may and will change someone’s life. Prayer changes situations. As we start to enjoy the warmth of spring let us be intentional to daily fish(search) for ways to bring God’s joy and love to our neck of the woods.
Have a blessed April and may God’s love shine on your spring days.
