Sorting The Fish

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd July 3, 2021 - Filed in Devotional - 3,881 views
  King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." Agrippa said to Paul, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?" Paul said, "I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds." Acts 26:27-29 WEB.
  
  When a fishing net is pulled out of the water, it may contain many types of fish. First, they dump the fish on the floor of the boat. Then someone sorts them out while the fishermen work on getting the net back in the water. As Christians, we work with the Holy Spirit as the fishermen. Yet, God sorts the fish. He chooses the ones He wants to keep.
  
  I once watched as the Holy Spirit's presence caused a hardened drug dealer to weep. He was a childhood friend who had made some really bad choices in life. That particular day, I was going to town, and he wanted to go, so I brought him along. I guess he felt like talking to someone. We lived in the country. So while I was driving, I told him about some scripture I had been studying recently and how it fascinated me.
  
  At first, he just laughed it off. Then said a few mocking things like, "You don't really believe that stuff, do you?" But soon, the Holy Spirit's presence settled over him, and he became shaky and scared. If he could have gotten out of that car, he would have, but today I was driving. He stared out of the passenger side window a while, and when he looked back at me, he was in tears.
  
  The car was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. I was in awe of the power and love of God for the lost and a bit surprised. The Lord loved this guy who had never given Him a positive thought in his life. To put it mildly, my friend there did drugs, sold drugs, and stole things regularly.
  
  
  
  There was really nothing that seemed beneath him. He was the kind of man who would rob Peter and write a bad check to Paul. Yet God loved him, and He was reaching out to draw him into the flock that day. God includes the ones that we would exclude. He can change their mind.
  
  We don't get to sort the fish. We should reach out to the lost wherever and whoever they may be. So be a friend to those who need one because they won't listen to an enemy. Also, don't try and correct the problems in people's lives. Lead them to Jesus first, and He will take care of the rest. The Apostle Paul witnessed to everyone around him. Some were saved, some were not. His goal was to save everyone and let God sort them out. We should do the same.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for putting me where I am. Put Your words in my heart and let Your Holy Spirit rise up within me. Please fill me with Your wisdom and tact. Let me know when to share with others and when to keep my mouth shut. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
  
  Note: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.' (John 5:14) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
  
  
  

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