For some, fishing is easy. They have just the right words to bait the hook, know just where to cast it out and how to do it. "Easy peasy", they would say. That's great for them, but, what about the rest of us? Some of us get all tied up in knots when it comes to fishing men. Suddenly we can't think of a thing to say that sounds anything near "casting" the Good News. I want to encourage you today with the thought that maybe you're trying too hard in your own strength.
First, the Bible tells us that God is our strength. (Ex. 15:2) So, when we feel weak, we can rely on Him showing up and giving us strength when we call out. He's faithful to always answer us in our time of need. It pleases Him when we trust Him.
Look at Ma 4:18-20 We will see 2 action phrases here. Do you know that God wants a close relationship with you? It takes 2 to make a relationship. Have you ever seen a person so deeply taken with another, but, the other person doesn't even give them the time of day? In that scenario there will never be a relationship between them. For us to have a meaningful relationship with God we need to spend time with Him. A time that has our attention. Where we are aware of His presence and focused upon what He is saying to us. A time of thanksgiving and praise. A time of quiet...listening. The more time we give Him, the stronger and deeper our relationship becomes.
There are times we become either confused or we're just plain stubborn :-), but we get mixed up to what our part is and what His is. Like with fishing for men...spreading the Good News wherever we go. Reaching out to those that don't know God and sharing a better way of life and life eternal. Sometimes we try too hard and push people away because we so desperately want them to know Jesus. Other times fear takes hold of us and we clam up. Don't despair. Not only is God our strength, but, He is the one who creates a "new" you.
When you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you became a new creature and all things became new and old things passed away. (2 Co 5:17) You might be saying, "well I don't feel new. I still do some of the same things I was doing." That verse is talking about your "spirit man". Your spirit became all new, now belonging to Jesus. It's squeaky clean! It's your soul (mind, will and emotions) that need to be renewed. Staying in the Word, attending Church, fellow-shipping with other believers, listening to "good" music, watching "good" programs...and so on, that will renew your soul to line up with your spirit which is in line with God's Spirit. It takes some time, but, be determined. It's worth it. That will lead to a peaceful, joy-filled life. A blessed life. Wouldn't you rather be walking in the "Blessing Zone" of life? Sure you do. It's there for you. Believe it and receive it into your life.
Don't get discouraged. Press in and God will lead the way. He promises to guide you. Remember what Mat 4 said? "Follow Me" and "I will make you". We follow and He makes us. As you stop striving to witness in your own strength and concentrate on "following" Jesus more, I'm confident you will notice the opportunities that God puts before you fit in with where you are in your walk with Him and you will be able to speak easily and confidently as a witness to what Jesus has done and is doing in your life. Before you know it, you'll be saying, "Easy peasy!"
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