As a young man Adrian Rodgers felt called to the ministry. From the onset he was a very dedicated and hardworking man of God. After a year and half of ministry in his first church, one of his men insisted that he take a break and go fishing with him. They packed up their gear and drove to a restricted area near the primary launch pad of Cape Kennedy. They received clearance to enter a small beach area, where they could wade and fish in the shallow water.
Within minutes each man went his own way and Adrian started casting a Mirror-Lure with his old Mitchell spinning combo. With the big Florida blue sky above and numerous water birds filling the air, Adrian soaked up the peace and quiet.
Several hours passed without a single strike. Where were the fish? Each step and cast brought new anticipation but without success. Adrian looked up and said, “Lord I have tried to be obedient and have sought to faithfully serve you. It would really do my heart good, that out of your kindness I could catch a fish – any ‘ole fish will do.” As Adrian lowered his head, he spotted a dark-deep pocket located just ahead of him. He moved a few steps toward the sinkhole and placed his lure right in the center.
Unsure of the depth, he allowed the lure to settle for several seconds, then began to slowly reel. Just as the lure was about to clear the dark hole, he spotted another shadow; this one was moving at a fast rate of speed. The large yellow mouth of a speckled trout opened and engulfed the Mirror-Lure.
The spunky seatrout took off, peeling several yards of frayed line from the dusty reel. After several runs and some shouts of joy, Adrian wrestled the trophy size trout ashore. “The thrill and adrenaline rush that comes from such a battle is one of the things that inspires all anglers.” Adrian recounts. “It was one of those awesome experiences that you never forget.”
More Than a Coincidence
“I really felt it was more than a coincidence that this fish hit right after I prayed, so I thought I would try it again. I said ‘Lord that was wonderful, I really enjoyed the experience and wonder if you could provide another one of those monster fish for me. If you can guide that miracle fish to the Apostle Peter’s hook, then I believe you can do the same for me.”
Adrian made a second cast into the same spot and again allowed the lure to settle. Just like before the lure came out of the pocket only to be swallowed up by another giant trout. The ensuing fight was exciting, and Adrian landed the fish right next to the one already beached.
While some may see this as a trivial thing to a God who created the universe, Adrian believes, “God doesn’t see things as big or small. He hears the prayers of a small child with the same compassion and care as He listens to a great theologian.”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:7-11
Personal Application: God is not a genie in a lamp, but He does hear and answer the prayers of His children. What do you need to ask God for today?
Wendell Morton and Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5