“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

Have you ever got behind in a project and needed some help? It didn’t matter who, you just needed someone to come assist. Someone who could help you cross the finish line. Even if it was just for moral support, you weren’t picky, you needed to recruit someone to be with you.

That was me. I needed a little help putting together some bunk beds. So, I went up to the Children’s Home to grab some of the boys. They must think the diesel engine of the truck I was driving sounded like an ice cream truck because they all came storming outside hoping to get to go. I only needed two, but before I could throw the truck in reverse, eight boys jumped in.

Eager, energetic, and excited to get the job done. We worked together to finish the job. They are great helpers. I love these guys!

Jesse Ostrander

“A Father Carries His Son.”

I love this photo. The dad is proud of his sons. And clearly his sons look happy to be with their dad. Even though he is wearing an old, tattered shirt and living in a mud hut, this poor, Haitian dad is doing the best he can for his boys. He is holding them close and keeping them safe. The boys are being cared for by a loving father. He is “carrying them.”

Deuteronomy 1:29-31, “Then I said to you, do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord, your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”

God carried the Israelites out of Egypt. They had been slaves for generations, but God delivered them. On their way out of Egypt, He kept them safe as Pharaoh’s mighty army pursued them. He parted the Red Sea and provided a means of escape. He ultimately destroyed the evil army chasing them. God fed them. He provided manna for them to eat. And in their darkest times, God sustained them. He provided the Israelites with direction as they wandered through the desert. He saw them through to the promised land. “As a father carries his son,” God carried them. And He “carries” us today.

What a powerful example of how a Godly father should “carry his child.” When a son or daughter is not able to do something on their own, a good father carries them. When a son or daughter is trapped in a world of trouble, a good father helps deliver them. When a son or daughter is surrounded by enemies, a good father fights for them, and protects them. A Godly father provides for his children. He loves his children. Children are not afraid when they are under the protection of a loving father.

On this Father’s Day as we honor our dads, do not forget that the greatest father of them all is carrying you! He loves you. He wants what’s best for you. He will deliver you. Do not be afraid! He will provide for you. He will sustain you. Our loving Father God is carrying you, just like he did for the Israelites. He will see you through to the promised land.

Happy Father’s Day!

Jesse Ostrander