Fish in the Boat!

A fish literally jumped out of the water and landed on my feet in the canoe. I screamed. It flopped. Somehow, someway, the boat did not flip over. Thankfully, a friend in the same boat grabbed the fish and threw it back into the water. I know… all the fisher people groaned. I, however, am still relieved.

I was in my early twenties (a long time ago). Yet, that fish is forever etched in my mind. How on earth does such a thing happen? I don’t know. I’m just glad it did.

This memory reminds me of the familiar passage from Matthew 4. Jesus had been walking by the Sea of Galilee when he saw Simon and Andrew fishing. That’s when Jesus called out to them.

“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

What the Lord said to Simon and Andrew, He says to us. He will teach us how to “fish” as we follow Him.

I thank God for sweeping revivals with amazing testimonies of healings, miracles, and thousands coming into relationship with Christ. I am concerned, however, that our focus can get so fixated on the spectacular that, it is easy to miss the supernatural of one person at a time who lands at our feet.

Jesus admonished the disciples in such a moment following His conversation with a woman at the well. Her testimony impacted the whole town and they all came out to meet Jesus.

Revival ignited through one conversation with one dear lady.

That’s when Jesus spoke:

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. John 4:34 (Berean Study Bible)

I believe with all my heart. This is the day and hour to notice people who land at our feet in ordinary adventures. Be it the grocery store, the doctor’s office, or the workplace, etc., individuals are longing for conversations with someone who cares. Someone who engages honestly about their lifestyle without judging. And someone who can introduce them to Christ in a personal way.

I am all for sweeping revivals where entire towns come to Christ, but let’s keep in mind. At the end of the day, it is still…

One Person At A Time, no matter the size of the group.

If we are to follow Jesus, we are to lift up our eyes and see what He sees. The harvest might seem four months away. In reality, the time is now.

Oh, Lord. Give us eyes that see, hearts full of compassion, and grace to invite people into relationship with you. Amen

Please make sure to listen to the song below. I believe it will touch your heart and help.

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20

❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎

Just then His disciples returned and were surprised that He was speaking with a woman. But no one asked Him, “What do You want from her?” or “Why are You talking with her?”

Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” So they left the town and made their way toward Jesus.

Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?” Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.

Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. John 4:27-34 NKJ