Fisher’s Of Men

  Over the last few weeks, interactions with people have been basically non existent (unless you live on Zoom, for family parties, meetings and about everything else). And our church services have made some interesting points about being intentional. About being “Fisher’s of Men” and not just interacting with others around us, but being engaged and invested in someone else. So how does this happen when we are supposed to be “away” from others? Well I don’t have that answer, but I do have some stories that maybe resonate with some of you that may help...

  Sharing my story has been something that has not always been easy for me. But I will never forget the time I was able to share it, and learn it is ok to have some struggles. The time though I was able to truly dive into my story happened in Alaska. Yes Alaska. I was playing for an AIA (Athletes In Action) team and this team honestly helped shape me into the man I am today. However, back to the point, the first day we came together to meet the players, coaches and staff. We played a game called “Trainwreck”. Now I won’t go into the details of the game but this is a game basically used as an ice breaker in a much deeper way. I was able the first day, before I even knew everyone’s name. That everyone had stuff they were dealing with. From that moment on, you knew you could talk to anyone about anything. And it was in that moment something clicked for me. That sometimes you are going to need to just ask someone how things are going - being intentional. 

  But how do we be intentional? How do we help someone who may be dealing with something or maybe even if they ask you something how do you respond? The best thing I can say to this is...we Don’t. WE can’t. 

  Now hear me out. It’s not us who is actually doing the helping. We are the facilitator but it’s Christ doing the helping, healing, working in that moment. As Christians, I feel like we shy away from moments of being intentional with someone because we don’t know the answers, don’t know how to word things, maybe even come across as “better” than the one you are trying to engage with. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The moment a conversation starts with, “How you doing?” That conversation could turn into something amazing - all because you trusted yourself just to say something and then watch God take over.

  So how do we become “Fisher’s of Men”? Well it takes an eye, but it also just takes a little heart. You have to tell yourself that just a simple word could become something extraordinary. If you trust that, bringing people into your life or maybe even the Kingdom of God is just one simple conversation away. And all it takes is a little faith.

  One more story before I wrap this up. But even the Bible has stories.  I mean dang the whole thing is the story of Christ. But the smaller stories, parables, is what Jesus used to teach the disciples. These parables are ALL over the Bible, but one of my favorites is the parable of the mustard seed. It’s in Matthew 17, and Christ says to them “For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” So what does this mean...well it means that even the smallest thing can have the largest impact. The smallest moment can lead to the largest thing. 

Just like in Luke 5:4-6,10: 

“And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking...And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."”

Our faith can be the biggest and strongest thing we have. It could also be the smallest flame and hard for others to see. But like that parable, a faith the size of a mustard seed could move a mountain! Just like saying “But at your word I’ll put my nets back out” led to so many fish the nets were breaking. Just like for you and I, a conversation could lead to something amazing.

What is it in this moment that this sort of faith could help move for you?