I've discovered something this year.  I don't like fishing, what I like is catching.  Fishing has been described as, "The art of  casting, trolling, jigging, or spinning while freezing, sweating, swatting, or swearing."

 It has been said that the reason Christianity is so unbelievable is that it was first told by fisherman.  Peter was a professional fisherman, not only was it his livelihood, he loved it.  When life became frustrated or problems seem to overwhelm him, he muttered, "I'm going fishing!" and headed for the boats.

It was one of those times that Jesus stood on the shore and asked, "Have you caught any fish?"  The fact was, he hadn't.  Professional fishermen do not like to admit failure much less be told how to fish, especially by a carpenter.  Jesus told Peter to cast on the right side of the boat.  The catch was unbelievable.  It's recorded in John chapter 21 of the Bible.  Unbelievable is how life is meant to be lived as a gift from God.  "No eye has seen, no ear heard no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.  But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit."  (I Corinthians 2:9ff)

Don't get me wrong, such a life is not without difficulty.  Fishing sometimes requires rising early and if you use a drift boat, long hours of pulling on the oars.  What God has planned for your life is beyond belief if you are willing to follow Jesus.  Jesus said, "I came that you might have life and have it abundantly."  But most of us are still fishing from the wrong side of the boat.  Perhaps, even in an area marked "No Fishing."  And we wonder why we are in trouble.  There is some great news, God loves fisherman and there are promising waters ahead for anyone who will believe and obey Jesus.

By the way,  Jesus didn't like fishing without catching either,  nor did he like an empty banquet table,
or sheep that were lost without being found.  And he would rather die than live without you in His presence.

Yours and His,
Bruce