Gone Fishin'
March 17th 2024 (Week 61)
James 1: 6-8
I remember, as a child asking my mother many times whether I could do or have something, knowing that she would generally say, “I’ll think about it”. And as all kids know, “I’ll think about it” usually means, “Yes!” Whether or not I have that same expectancy as a grown man asking God for something, I’m not too sure.
I have an even more startling confession to make about my prayer life, which at times may seem very irreverent. You see, I have this passion for fishing, sitting beside a river, lake, or even a small pond, comforting myself with the thought that this was also one of Jesus` favourite pastimes (wouldn’t you just love to go fishing with Jesus?). During these all too infrequent excursions I often find myself praying (I do it in all sorts of places and situations that probably aren’t the best – and I’ve realised that it’s much better not to close my eyes when praying whilst driving!).
It was on a trip out to Scorton, with the weather not quite behaving itself, and the wind whipping up into a squall and threatening to ruin my fishing, that I was reminded that Jesus calmed a much bigger storm. So I asked Him to do exactly that. Nothing happened. I looked at the time and decided that if God hadn’t calmed the storm by five O’clock I would move, or even go home. He didn’t and off I trotted, homeward bound.
On the way, I decided to stop off at another favourite spot at Nateby, near Garstang. The landscape there is very flat and open, and I fully expected to find wind levels at least the same, if not worse. Imagine my surprise then to find the water looking much like the proverbial mill pond, flat, calm, perfect!
Car parked, I’m quickly fishing again (not expected home `till dark so still time to fill the net). Now here’s the confession: I’m prone to ask God for a bite. When I probably should be praying for the famine-stricken or persecuted, I’m asking to catch a few little fish - though mine are all huge of course. What a selfish, miserable so-and-so I am! But, however small or large the fish, I’m always sent home with something – even a fish lost in the landing, as on this particular trip.
The simple fact is I pray, fully expecting my float to bob up and down quite soon. If only I could do the same when I’m praying for healing.
By the way, did God answer my prayer for calm waters?
Prayer: Lord, fishing with you is amazing. What it was like for the Disciples we can only imagine. But as you taught them, please teach us also to rely on you for the really big things in life as well as the much, much smaller.
Neil Bromage, 17/03/2024