Fishing for PeopleSample

The Fishing Rod of Words

During college, a classmate and I prepared to return to school out west.

Arriving at our departure point early, I noticed a young couple looking for rides. When they told me they were heading west, I twisted my words to say I was not going that direction, and they walked away.

Why did I do that? Because it wasn’t in my plans for that day.

Acts chapter 3 is an interesting passage about how Peter reacted to a situation he hadn’t planned for.

It started as a typical day for him and John as they went “up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon” (Acts 3:1 NIV).

But everything changed when a crippled beggar asked them for money.

Peter, knowing he didn’t have any money to give, did something rather interesting:

He stopped.

This is a fascinating detail, as so many other people who saw the man simply continued walking by. But, even knowing he didn’t have what the man wanted, Peter still stopped.

Then, after the two men locked eyes, Peter gave a simple answer:

Jesus.

Too many times, I read that passage and think, “I’ll never be able to make someone walk,” or “I won’t know what to say, so why even bother trying?” But that’s the wrong perspective. Rather than looking at what I don’t have, I need to look at what I do have.

Or more accurately, Who I have: Jesus.

If I simply stop and look someone in the eyes, I can make them feel seen and valuable for who they are and where they are in life.

Then, once I have their attention, I can give them a simple answer in Jesus and leave what happens next up to Him.

That day with the young couple turned out very differently for me. My friend and I ended up taking them into our car and having a three-hour conversation about Jesus and our hope in Him.

As Christian men, our job may not be to heal the lame beggar but rather to “always be prepared” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV), submit our day to Jesus, and follow where He leads. He might take us to bigger things than we could imagine or ask us to simply stop and connect with someone.

But we won’t be able to if we are not prepared to give our answer.

Prayer: Jesus, help me be a man who is always prepared to help others know You better. Amen.

Reflection: Is there anyone you avoid because you don’t want to talk to them? Confess that to Jesus and ask Him to show you how to overcome that fear.