“Keep Fishing”
We took a photo of these guys fishing in their homemade skiff. They were the only people on the water. As far as the eye could see, there was not even one other boat. A big storm was rolling in. Ominous clouds were closing in from the surrounding mountains. I felt bad for them.
But these three Haitian fishermen were determined to keep trying. Their desperate families depend on them to bring home something to eat. So, they stayed in the boat, each doing their job. One was rowing, one was bailing water, and the other was pulling in the net. Things did not seem to be going great, but they were not giving up. Kim and I didn’t hang around to see if they caught anything, but their perseverance despite the impending storm impressed me. Danger was all around, but they were sticking it out.
These three in the boat teach us a great lesson. When the sun is shining and the fish are jumping, there will always be several boats on the lake. But it is an exercise of great faith to be the solitary vessel on the water, especially when the catch has not been great and dark storm clouds are rolling in. It takes physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to keep working to accomplish a task when things aren’t going smoothly. But it takes a whole new level of commitment to stay on the water when people are depending on you.
There may be circumstances in your life that are coming against you. There may be trials that present themselves that seem insurmountable. You might feel like the only boat still on the water. But you cannot give up. You must keep your eyes on the prize. You must put your faith in God and trust that He will see you through. Strengthen your resolve while leaning on Jesus. He will not fail you.
Persevere! Keep rowing. Keep bailing. Keep casting. You must keep fishing!
It will all be worth it.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
Jesse and Kim Ostrander