Going Fishing

I recently moved to a beach town and am intrigued by the people I see fishing from the shore. What a place to try to fish! Do they ever catch anything? From the number of people I see engaged in this activity, it would seem that they are successful in catching fish. So, whether they are sitting on the beach or in the midst of the ocean, deep sea fishing, the important thing is the end result: catching fish. 

In Matthew 4 verses 18-22,  we read the story of Jesus calling His first disciples, Peter and his brother Andrew, and James and his brother, John. These men were fishermen and when Jesus called them, He told them he would “make them fish for people.” They immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. Fishing was not new to them, but fishing for people? They were willing to leave their livelihood and follow this Teacher who would make them fishers of men. Jesus was calling them to be His disciples; they were going to follow Him, be changed by Him, and join Him in spreading the good news of the Gospel.

As Christians, we are all called to “fish” for the lost. As moms we have opportunities to fish from the beach and also to do some deep sea fishing.  When our children are young, organizations such as MOPS and Rooted Moms help us to gently evangelize; do some fishing from the beach.  We cast our bait, the Word of God, and sit and wait for God to reel in the catch when His timing is right. Sometimes we take home fish, but sometimes we come home empty handed.  However, Isaiah 55 verse 11 tells us that God’s word never returns to Him empty, but accomplishes what He desires and achieves the purpose for which He sent it. I can say “Amen” to that, having seen how God has redeemed the lives of many prodigal children. 

Supporting missionaries, participating in activities like VBS, or providing resources and supporting God’s work around the world, fall into the deep sea fishing category. Rarely do we get to see the results of our involvement in these activities, but every so often, God graciously  allows us to hear how lives have been impacted.

One such glimpse was a report from a missionary that I support in Africa.  As part of his work serving and evangelizing the local tribes, goats had been donated to poor families. This changed the attitudes many had towards the missionary and many of the villagers began to show up at the weekly church services. Several of the men accepted Christ and are now working alongside the missionary in spreading the Gospel.  Another glimpse was watching via satellite TV, the crowd of people who came forward to commit their lives to Christ in an evangelistic outreach that the Church I attend conducted in Egypt this past fall. What a previlege to participate in this “deep sea fishing” for the souls of men! 

Whether fishing from the beach or deep sea fishing, God expects us to be full time “fishers of men,” evangelizing the lost.

Christians are called to seek the lost. This is a full-time commitment, our first priority. If you and I have not been fishing recently, we are not functioning as Jesus intends us to function. Therefore, let us toss in our line or cast our net and invite the lost to become part of  God’s family. 

“‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

About the Author

​Hi, I am Joan Lavori! My husband Joe and I have two young adult children. We recently relocated to NW Florida, and are enjoying the slower pace of life. I enjoy reading, writing, walking on the beach as I listen to God's Word, and traveling. I volunteer with an online Homeschool program, and I am passionate about sharing God's Word with the students, knowing that His Word will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish His desires and achieve His purposes.