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*Photo by Mark Darrough
Fishing is a huge source of income and diet for those lucky enough to live in a lake region of Rwanda. It is inspiring to watch the dedication and the incredible perseverance the fishermen show after spending day after day in the sun, pulling their nets into ruggedly designed dugout canoes. I admire, and I am a bit envious, of the simplicity of their lives.
*Photo by Mark Darrough
This past weekend our team traveled to Ssese Island on Lake Victoria. There, I saw one of the most incredible sights. At night hundreds of fishing boats litter Lake Victoria with their lights. The stars in Africa are absolutely incredible and over Lake Victoria they were breathtaking. The lights from the fishing boats melted into the stars until they were indistinguishable from one another, making you feel completely wrapped in the night sky.
I fell in love with the Lord under the stars of Colorado so I always feel close to Him in situations like this, like he created these moments just for me, to bring me close to Him. During one night, looking out over the lake, I was reminded of how God provided for his disciples in Luke 5:1-11, even when they thought they knew what was best. And I was humbled by how often I do that in my own life, and yet, as much as I have tried to do things on my own and even fought God for control over my life, he has infinitely blessed me.
Ken Gire wrote in his book, Meditations with God:
Dear Master,
Help me to be faithful in little things like cleaning nets, knowing that they could be your way of preparing me for greater things - like fishing for men.
Help me to obey simply and solely “because you say so.” And keep me from thinking that since I have fished a few waters that somehow I know better than you the course my life should take and the place my nets should be dropped.
Call me, Lord, out from a shallow faith near the shore, which requires no risks and offers no rewards. Call me to a deeper commitment to you.
And when you call, grant that I would be quick in my boat, swift to my oars, and fast with my nets. And I pray, grant me the eyes to see who it is who labors by my side- an awesome and almighty God.
Take me to a place where I have worked hard by my own strength and yet ended up with empty nets. Take me there to show me the depths of your dominion and the net breaking fullness of your power.
Keep me ever aware that you are Lord. And ever aware that I am a sinful person. And in that knowledge keep me ever on my knees before you. At your bidding, O Master, I will let down my nets. And at your bidding I will leave them forever behind. For what you have to offer is infinitely more than all the seas of this world ever could…
