Gone Fishin’ (part 2)
GONE FISHIN’ (PART 2)
Read James 5:7-8.
Todd lay in bed, thinking of what his dad had said about being a fisher of people. He knew that if he was going to use God’s Word he would need to have it in his heart and mind. He worked hard at learning Bible verses so he could share them with his new friend, Pete.
Many times he asked Pete to go to church, but Pete always refused. And Pete didn’t seemed interested when Todd tried to talk about God, either. Todd was frustrated. “I give up, Dad,” he said. “Pete never wants to come to church.”
“Todd,” Dad reminded him, “you have to be patient when you’re fishing, remember? You can’t keep popping your line out of the water.”
“Huh?” grunted Todd.
“You don’t have to ask Pete to go to church with you so often,” said Dad. “I suggest that you first strengthen your friendship with Pete. Tell him what you enjoy at church and the fun you have with the other kids. Then maybe Pete will become interested enough to come sometime. Remember, though, don’t lie to make it sound like it’s just all fun. You must be honest.”
For the next three weeks, Todd practiced what his dad had suggested. Finally, he felt the nibble he’d been waiting for. “Dad!” he shouted as he burst into the house. “Guess what happened today?”
“I found your note about going fishing, so I’d say you caught a fish.” Dad smiled.
“Did I ever!” Todd beamed. “And his name is Pete! You were right, Dad. A good fisherman must be patient if he really wants to catch a fish.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you an impatient fisher of people? Does it seem as though you’re never going to get a bite? Don’t give up. The salvation of a friend is worth waiting for.
TO MEMORIZE:
You, too, must be patient.
James 5:8
WITNESS WITH PATIENCE.
From the book
