Lessons Learned at “Ye Old Fishing Hole”

          I love to fish.  Those who know me know that this is true.  You see I am from the North Coast where fishing is second nature to us (kind of like quadding up here), so I have spent many an hour with my line wet in the water enjoying nature and waiting in anticipation for that adrenaline pumping strike of a 30+ pound Chinook salmon.  As my fishing trip for this year slowly creeps closer I can’t help but sit back and reflect on my times out fishing and the lessons that God has taught me at my favorite fishing hole.

          I like to think of myself as a good fisherman, I’m not the best although I have caught my share of fish, but there are days when it seems that the fish aren’t biting anything in my tackle box.  No matter what lure or technique I use the fish just are not going to bite.  Times like this can be quite frustrating if you haven’t caught anything all day.  One thing that I have learned through my times fishing is to never give up.  Keep trying different lures, techniques and different spots on the river.  Eventually you will catch something.  A lure will finally work, the right time of day will come around or you eventually find the right spot on the river.  Persevere when fishing and you will usually be rewarded with a strike.

          This reminds me of a verse in Hebrews where the author encourages us to persevere in our lives.  To focus our eyes on Jesus and even when times are tough to persevere in our relationship with God.  Life isn’t easy, in fact it can be downright difficult, but we are called and challenged to persevere. 

As I sit down and write this I don’t write these things lightly.  You see my Grandma is in the hospital awaiting surgery to remove a large mass from her body and at her age any surgery is a big deal.  I don’t know how the surgery will go at this point but I can say with confidence that God is walking through this situation right beside me, helping me to trust in Him no matter what the outcome is.  If God can help me through difficulties he can help you too.  Life can throw you curves but continue on walking with God’s help.  Persevere.  The reward in the end is worth it. 

Tim Blois

Youth Pastor

North Peace MB Church