SOAP: I’m a fisher of men, alright.

Scripture: Mark 1:17

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Observation: Jesus is speaking with two men who are casting nets to catch fish. He tells them to follow Him for a whole new type of fishing.

Application: This scripture always makes me smile.

In my single days I was privileged to go on a singles mission trip to Belize. At the time I knew I wanted to go because I needed a break from the everyday and I needed to take some time out and listen to God. Working on a construction project at the same time in the name of Jesus seemed like a perfect opportunity. And some mystery donor at the church made it possible when it looked as though I couldn’t afford to go.

But I digress.

So, on this mission trip, during Sunday school, we were talking with the kids about this passage. And afterward my fellow missionaries said they thought that verse was a good one for me, ahem. My on-again/ off-again boyfriend and I were having trouble at the time and perhaps my friends thought it was time for me to do some fishing of my own.

At Christmas, one of the girls from the trip gave me a framed copy of this scripture and it has always made me smile.

Well, now I more fully appreciate the scripture as I see myself as the fisher of men that Jesus was really referring to.

He has really begun to use me to catch some fish/men and it has been an exciting ride. And I never expected that I would be one to fish in this way .

When He spoke to me through my SOAP journaling last summer and called me to blog about my SOAP observations, I was nervous and excited. But it has been a lot of fun with a lot of discovery along the way.

And now he is using me to fish even more on the internet as an Online Missionary with Global Media Outreach. I have the privilege of answering emails sent by people all over the world who are thirsty and want to know more about this God and Jesus that they hear of. Wow. And yes, I’m, excited and nervous all at the same time again. But with every email I pray. And I learn more myself.

I am now a fisher of men.

And, by the way, in case you are wondering…  That on-again/off-again boyfriend is now my husband. So I’m pretty sure Jesus had the evangelism type of fishing for men in mind for me, not well, you know…fishing for men…

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the fondness I feel for this passage. Thank you for the amazing experience you gave me with it in Belize and the amazing experiences you are giving me with it now as I grow closer to you.

Please continue using me, and equipping me as you see fit.

Thank you for the honor of being a fisher of men.

Please continue to ignite sparks in those who you call to fish for you… and fill them with courage and curiosity just when they need it.

I’m linking this to Works for Me Wednesday because this type of fishing is certainly working for me… and others.

I’m also linking this to Finer Things Friday... because serving as a fisher of men is certainly a Finer Thing!!!