AUGUST 9

Mathew 4:19

                             GONE FISHING – 2

Todd thought about his dad’s suggestion that he be a “ fisher of men”- and especially, a “ fisher” of his new friend, Peter. I’m going to do it, Todd decided. I want Peter to know Jesus, too. So each day Todd would bring up a Bible verse he had learned, or he’d ask Peter to go with him to church or perhaps to a Sunday school party. Peter always refused, and he often acted a bit annoyed when Todd would quote a Bible verse. Todd was frustrated.

“I give up, Dad,” he said one evening. “Peter never wants to come to church, and he’s getting sick of me asking all the time. I don’t think he likes it when I share Bible verses, either. I’m going to quit!”

“Todd, what was one of the very first things you taught Peter about fishing?” asked Dad. Todd grinned, remembering. “Not to keep popping his line out of the water to see if a fish took the bait,” he replied. “He didn’t know much about how to bait the hook so the fish couldn’t just steal it, either.”

Dad nodded. “You need patience for fishing, and you need to bait the hook properly. Those things are important when you fish for men, too. I think you’ve been worrying too much about whether Pete has taken your bait. Maybe you’re even using the wrong bait.”

“ The wrong bait?” asked Todd. “I think so,” said Dad. “Don’t give up on Peter, but you don’t have to quote verses or ask him every day to go to church with you. Why don’t you first strengthen your friendship? Spend time together. Pray for him. Share what you enjoy at church and at the parties. Maybe he’ll become interested enough to come sometime. But be sure you don’t lie to make it sound like it’s just all fun. You must be honest.”

During the next few weeks,Todd practiced what his dad had suggested. Finally, he felt the nibble he’d been waiting for. “Dad!” he shouted as he burst into the house. “Guess what happened today!”

“Well, I know you planned to go fishing after school, so I’d say you caught a fish,”said Dad with a smile.“Well...at least I got a nibble!”Todd beamed. “And his name is Peter! He said he’d go to JW with me this week.”

Thought: Patience, patience, patience!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me patience when I witness to someone. And teach me too that I must be really interested in that person’s life – not just to get that person to church! In Jesus’ name – amen.