Faith | Like patient fishermen, ‘reel in’ others by being an example of God’s love

After buying a boat last September, my grandson and his dad went to a fishing derby in Colton, Wash.

My grandson came in 1st place in the kid’s division and sixth place overall after catching a 35-inch 15-pound steelhead trout—winning $50!

My grandson’s dad later asked me if I wanted to go fishing and I said, “yes.”

A few months passed, it was winter by now and I had forgotten all about the offer. That was until one evening my grandson called me up and asked if I wanted to go fishing on the Columbia River.

I instantly thought this sounds like a cold and miserable idea, but before I made an excuse not to go, I could tell in his voice that he genuinely wanted me to go. And thank goodness I agreed. It was a fun 3-hour trip in the dark of night on the Columbia River.

The night had clear skies with a quiet peacefulness about it. I could see the Big Dipper, the North Star, and other constellations. The stillness of the water and calmness was overwhelming in the pitch dark.

My 9-year-old grandson and his dad are real pros at launching the boat, putting out the bumpers, tying it to the dock, and then once under way, getting to the right spot to catch fish. I was amazed and excited that within half an hour of being on the water I got to watch my grandson reel in a walleye.

My grandson then gave me a tutorial on the proper fishing pole, lure, how much line to put out and at what depth. He explained to me the differences between fishing for walleye, sockeye, coho, Chinook salmon and steelhead—and how to best reel them in.

Later on, we got another bite and I was chosen to reel this one in. It was then that I caught the biggest fish of my life, about a 26-inch 8-pound walleye. After that, my grandson caught two more with the last one being another 8-pounder.

What a glorious night God gave me! It was such a privilege to experience it with my grandson and his dad and I’m so thankful that they wanted to share it with me.

In the Bible, several of the twelve disciples were fishermen. Jesus told them to follow him and he would teach them how to become fishers of men.

Fishing teaches the virtue of great patience. One night the disciples had caught no fish until Jesus arrived and told them where to cast their net. They then immediately hauled in 153 fish.

As much enjoyment as we all received from fishing that night, we were reminded by looking at the endless stars just how small we are in the universe—and yet how important we are to God in his loving plan for us. He wants to treat every single one of us like we are the most important person in the universe, and freely give us the choice for eternal happiness.

As Christians, God calls us to be ambassadors for Christ. Somewhat like using bait to catch fish, we can attract others to Christ by being good examples of him. We all have a unique mission field, a sphere of influence that God has made just for us. Like a patient fisherman, we should never give up on praying for someone’s salvation.

I often use Eternity Coins as a witness to others. My grandson asked me if we are fishing for men when we hand them out? I said, “yes.” God wants us to be fishers of men as Christ taught.

These coins ask the most important question in life by sharing the gospel. One side states, “Where Will You Spend Eternity?” and the other side quotes John 3:16. We all have the choice to be “reeled in” to God’s family. Anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will spend eternity in heaven.

He’s a very patient fisherman. So, where will you spend eternity?