An Encouraging Word

            Last fall I went on an Adventure Sport Mexico Deep Sea Fishing Trip with thirteen men from our church. This was not for the amateur or faint of heart. This was for men who possess courage, bravery, a sense of adventure and a lot of money!  I met our guide when we arrived and he asked us “Why are you here?” To which I replied, “To catch fish.” That was the beginning of a great adventure. The next morning I put on my fishing clothes, gathered my fishing equipment, and climbed aboard our first class fishing boat.

            We were fishing for Marlin, Sail fish, and Tuna. By the size of the hooks and the bait we were using I knew we were going to catch some “big” fish. The anticipation was mounting as we traveled over 30 miles from the shore. We spent nine hours on the sea that day. We listened to our captain tell stories about all the great fish he had caught. We even shared some stories of our own. It was a great three days spent with good people in a beautiful setting.

As I returned to Las Vegas, I told Lisa about our trip. She knew I was hesitant to go on this trip and was delighted to hear I had enjoyed myself. She then looked to me and asked a question I will never forget. She asked, “Do you have any regrets about the trip?” I thought for a moment and replied, “Yes I do. I wish I had caught a fish!”

            In the Bible, Jesus tells us that we are to be “Fishers of Men.” If Jesus were to ask you why you are here on this earth, you could say, “to catch fish.” That’s your purpose in life. So how do you accomplish this? You put on your fishing (church) clothes. You familiarize yourself with your equipment (Bible). You even go once a week and listen to your guide (Pastor) talk about the intricacies of fishing. And through this process you develop deep friendships, share great fishing stories, and have a lot of fun. But when life nears its end and someone asks you if you had any regrets, you may reply, “Yes I do. I wish I had caught a fish!”

            What I learned on my Adventure Sport Mexico Deep Sea Fishing Trip is that there is a big difference between “going fishing” and “catching fish.” I pray you will remember why God placed you here on this earth. He wants you to be “fishers of men.”

When your time on earth is over, and your fishing trip is done;

Did you catch a lot of fish, or just have a lot of fun?

God put you here for a reason, He has a job for you to do;

He wants you to catch a lot of fish, and don’t stop until you do.

Life is like a vapor, a mist that is in the air;

Before we blink it is over, and we’ll meet with God up there.

And you will stand before the Righteous Judge, who will ask you what you wish;

I hope you do not say to God, ‘I wish I had caught a fish.’

Be encouraged,

Pastor Rob