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A New "Angle" on Fishing
By Peggy L. Dunn

I immediately began feeding worms to something hungry under the brownish water while John fiddled with the boat and all her trappings. But every time I became excited about getting a good bite, we drifted from the promising spot. As this continued, I tried not to lose heart, until finally I burst out with, "Where is the anchor?!" I couldn't believe it when John said he didn't have one. How on earth could I catch fish without an anchor? And, how could I reel them in while drifting around?

Then, I realized we had different ideas about our fishing trip. John knew what he was doing. He'd studied the boat, familiarized himself with its capabilities and figured out how to use them to his advantage. I intended to cause serious damage to the fish population but hadn't perfected the technique for hauling them over the side unless the boat stood still in the water.

Sadly, my ignorance of fishing quickly doused my excitement. I was sure I needed an anchor.

Well, I did catch fish that day, and, yes, all five of them were the size of your hand—your newborn baby's hand. I don't ask to go fishing in the boat anymore. I gave up.

Recalling our fishing trip, I thought of the disciples Jesus called from their fishing. He told them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Like me, the disciples were not equipped for this different kind of fishing. And, their challenge was huge—the job of fishing for men—of reconciling men and women to God.

But Jesus provided His disciples with an anchor. He equipped them with hope, "as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). He performed miracles and explained His holy purpose, mooring them in faith. As promised, Jesus sent His Holy Spirit, giving His disciples power and boldness for reaching the world with His message.

It is wonderful knowing I also have a spiritual anchor in Jesus Christ, and I can find detailed fishing instructions in His Word. I know there are many possibilities for a great catch for me out there. Yet, sometimes I still go out unprepared, neglecting my equipment and forgetting His instructions. But I cannot give this up. The more I read about Jesus and follow Him, the more I want to fish.

Compliments of