Friday, April 11, 2008

A modern day parable

Do you know what you know?
Today was a fishing day! Last night Keith went to Walmart to get me a new fishing pole. Last week he threw one together but when I caught a fish the reel came off the rode which made it just a little rough trying to reel in the fish and hold on to the rode. I got all of my stuff together in the truck while looking up at skies that were really heavy. But, I anticipated what was waiting a little down the road............ and hit the road.

Little by little the skies cleared. Yes, I should have brought some sun screen. But, as I sat there on my ice chest I began to think about the subject of faith. Yes, my mind goes there even out in the middle of nature. Actually I thought I would have loved to be soaring with this bird.
Maybe one day in eternity????


This is where we were fishing. Beautiful isn't it? Can you see the fish? No?
They are there because I have seen them, caught them and so have others. I know that there are some things I must do to make contact with them. One, of course I must want to go fishing.
Two, I must have the proper equipment
Three, I must know how to use it.

So I sat on my ice chest with my diet coke and my chili lime peanuts(a favorite of mine right now) and I watched that bobber. Why? Because I was anticipating one of those fish coming by for my minnow. And when that fish took my line--my faith was going to become sight.
So I sat and watched, and watched, and watched some more. Yes, I took a few pictures too. :)
Did I catch a fish today?
NOPE!
Not a one!
Will I stop fishing and start believing that there are no more fish to be caught in this lake?
No, of course not. I will come back. I will come back prepared to catch some fish. Lots of fish.

Fishing is like prayer. If of course you believe that there is a God and you have a relationship with Him......then you may feel free to practice your faith by using prayer. You have the right tools. You have become a Christian. The Holy Spirit lives inside of you and God listens to you when you talk to Him.
When you have a hunger or a desire you should go to God with it. You can go to Him in prayer about anything on your mind and heart. Can you see God? No.
Have you seen evidence of Him.
Yes, or you would not be a believer. Do we know that He answers prayer? Are you saved?
Then He answered your prayer.
Faith grows when you use it. We become bold and willing to persist the more we use it. Sometimes we don't know what to pray and by faith the Holy Spirit will pray for us.
I don't have it down pat. But, I was told to pray without stopping. Sometimes I have prayed and my faith becomes sight right away. Other times I pray and watch, and pray and watch. There are some things that I have been praying for for years. And as long as I know they are in line with Gods will in the Bible---I will keep praying till I see Him face to face.
He is for me and not against me. He loves me and He wants me to walk in the riches of His love.
Will life be perfect and all problems be wrapped up in neat little bows? HA!
But He is in charge. And by Faith I believe that.
Scripture states it is true--so I can stand on that truth.
The following is scripture is truth---and you can stand on it.
Thank you for joining me on my field trip today.
Don't stop fishing! :)

Psalm 91


1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"

14 comments:

Denise said...

You are such a sweet balm to many souls sweet sis, love you.

Anonymous said...

How awesome to get out in the real world and get away from the buzz for awhile, huh? I've caught those funny looking fish that resemble an old boot before. Ever caught one of those? They don't look like they make for good eatin' though, would you agree? Sometimes, life's like that too. We throw out our lines and catch and old boot. We don't pack up and go home though do we? What do we? We hang in there and keep praying. Oops! I mean fishing!

MelanieJoy said...

Thanks....I hear ya....I'll keep "fishing". When I go fishing I can stay out there all day and not catch a fish and be happy. I'm happy there because in nature I feel so close to my Father above. So if I can fish all day without a bite....then I continue to "fish" all day in prayer....joyful in knowing He hears my hearts cries...even if I have to wait a lifetime for that big "catch". Walking in Faith.....
Love you!

luvmy4sons said...

Great object lesson! So neat how you applied it. It is all so true! I can't wait for the day my faith shall be sight!

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

Well, "I'm going fishing today".....=) loved this!! Glad you were able to have some time to just soak up God's goodness!

Masked Rabbit said...

I really enjoyed your fishing trip. Great pictures to go with it too. Like you, there are things that I get an instant answer for and other things I have been praying about for years and am still waiting on an answer for. But God's timing is not mine and, more importantly, his timing is PERFECT.

X

Holly said...

Continuing to stand in the gap for you friend! A heart of gold before God is what you have--you're gonna be shining!!

Melanie said...

What a perfect way to explain prayer. Loved this post!!

Anonymous said...

Girl you have a way with words! Amen!
Blessings
Deb

Brother Raphy said...

I'm glad to see dat there r still people who know exactly what prayers is. You have a different way of explaining things and dis a nice way to lead people to our lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Alwasy remember that in God there is a crown for you when you do good...Thanks again for the inspiring post that you have, may the lord increas your writing skilss as you continue to spread His gospel!

Connie Barris said...

AMEN sista...

Maybe that is why Jesus was the best of all Fishermen!!

I think I'll go fishing

Denise said...

Prayer........ faith filled words spoken by the child of God ...... to bring Him on the scene.........

Loved the post..........(sorry I have been gone a while.. crazy here)

love ya!

Halfmoon Girl said...

AMEN AND PRAISE GOD! Come to my blog and go listen to the song I posted about in my last post. It absolutely hit me today and I especially thought of you in some of your trials right now.

She Rose Up said...

Happy Fishing! Great analogy! I see the recurring theme of Him as your shield, your secret place, and I JUST LOVE this aspect of Him! We have a song that we have been singing at church that just blesses me so much. We did it Thursday night, it talks about him being our secret place...I will mail you a CD of it if you like...It makes me cry, but in a good way...


love ya'! Praying for you and your Keith!

Maria