Several months ago, I went fishing with some of the family out on a small charter boat. We just happened to go out when the fishing wasn’t so good; in other words, we came back with only a couple of fish. While we were docking a gentleman was standing there and asked how our day went. After our not so amazing report, he stated this fact: “that’s why they call it fishing and not catching”.

This statement is also true as it relates to us sharing the good news about Jesus; we are not guaranteed to be catchers of mankind but fishers of mankind. Jesus told His first disciples in Matthew 4:19, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

I think this is what Paul is alluding to in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 when he reminds his readers that it is not Christ followers who bring new spiritual life but God Himself. He puts it this way: “ I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor”.

In other words, we are to keep on fishing, but it is God who makes possible those who are being caught.

So, we shouldn’t be discouraged but should continue to use whatever gifts God has given us, understanding that we are but instruments God is using in order for Him to bring about the salvation of mankind.