I wanted to encourage your faith regarding an encounter I had with a man fishing soon after a class at church I took on “sloth.” My pastor had been contrasting the temperaments between those who fish speechless for hours contently with those who’d rather speak than fish.
There I was, one weary work week after taking in this class on sloth; Perched aloft the waterfalls edge for an end of the day earful and eyeful of the waters on the lushly banked reservoir. About fifty yards away was a lone fisherman, no doubt enjoying the tranquil of the setting as I was. “How they biting?” I yelled out. “Not” he replied shaking his head. “That’s ok, that’s not why we’re here” I replied. “Yes” he replied nodding his head.
At that point I reflected on my pastor’s contrast between those who fish contently for hours without a word and those who can’t imagine not speaking in that setting. Although I believe the Lord prompted me to share the gospel with this man, I was determined to enjoy the rest of my ten minutes speechless. I said to the Lord silently, “since I am resolved to enjoy the silence, you will have to provide a way for me to share with him.”
A few brief minutes after saying that, the man bridged the fifty yards which separated us and walked within 10 feet of me to cast his line near the falls edge. Sticking with my conviction to enjoy the setting in silence, I avoided my natural inclination to strike up a conversation and remained silent. After enjoying ten minutes of tranquil, I turned to leave and handed him a church invitation while saying, “Hey man, have a good weekend.” Then I answered his “what’s this?” question with; “It’s a church invitation.”
His name was Daryl and he began to share with lament how; “he’s blown it,” “found and lost his religion several times,” “God has likely given up on me.” After listening, I shared the gospel with him through Romans 3:23 & 6:23. I assured him that I fail in some way every day. However, because of what Christ has done on the cross and continues to do every day with new mercies, the power of Christ in me confirms that I will never be given up on by God.
He seemed affected and I asked if I could pray with him. I thanked God for drawing two men, strangers to each other, to enjoy both the tranquil setting of His creation and ponder the extraordinary wonder of His mercy. I asked God to reveal him self to Daryl and continue to work in his life.
I must say. As I become more attentive to Christ in me, fishing for the souls of men, It’s as if God places a sign that says; “Be Aware, Spirit Speaking” (B.A.S.S.) Be blessed!
- Bob
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