Take a look at the pic above. A close one, and focus at the middle of the pool just below the horizontal line of white water, just below the good sized rock. See any trout? Peer more closely, but you won’t see any. But trout are swimming in that water. I know, because I pulled one out of there a few weeks ago. At least 90% of the trout I catch I never see, until they hit the hook. Usually trout, in Sierra streams, are visible when they're resting, not feeding. So, I fish by faith, not by sight. Faith that they’ll be where they usually swim, at the proper time of day, in the expected spots on the stream. And I do pretty well. But where did I get the faith in where to fish?
First, from my dad, who learned from his granddad on the Weber River in Utah that bordered the family farm. Dad was the best stream fisherman I’ve ever encountered, and taught me where and when the fish feed and rest. He taught me the types of fruitful spots—the rapids, plunge pools, side currents and downstream of rocks.
Second, my experience has confirmed the accuracy of what Dad taught. If I see a trout, no matter how right I do it, they usually don’t bite, so I spend little time there. But I get bites from where they should be, even when I cannot see them.
Yeah, you can see the hook. Paul affirmed “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). We don’t build our connection by God by trusting in what looks good, or what we desire, but what He says is good. Just like my great grandfather taught my dad, who taught me, who is now teaching my own grandson. Trust the experts, those who’ve done it. Spiritually, trust the one who created life, who gave his son in love for us.
Then, try it. When Jesus began gathering men to carry on his mission in John 1:35-51, the phrase “Come and see” is used twice, in verses 39 and 46. Or, check it out yourself. Try it to see if you like it. Test it experientially. Just as I tried what Dad taught me. It worked.
Now, here’s the kicker. Don’t pray once or twice, or go to some church a couple of times, only to conclude, “Been there, done that. Didn’t work for me.” We need to go all in. Study the Bible. Get into a healthy fellowship. Serve.
And live by faith, not sight.
Kick Starting the Application
On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate yourself on trusting God (10 for fully) or yourself (1 for fully)? Why did you score yourself like that? Do you see the need to grow in living by faith in God, not your own sight? What can you do to move score higher? Will you?