As you read this post, I’ll likely be on a stream like the one below. So please take a look at the pic. 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 closely, but you won’t see any. Yet trout are swimming in that water. I know, because I pulled one out of there.
At least 90% of the trout I catch I never see, until they hit the hook. Typically, trout in Sierra streams are visible when 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?
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.
My experience has confirmed the accuracy of what Dad taught. If I see a trout, it usually doesn’t bite, so I spend little time trying. But I get bites from where they should be, even when they’re unseen.
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 has now taught my grandson. Trust the experts, those who’ve done it. Spiritually, trust the one who created life, who gave his son in love for us.
Now, here’s the kicker. Just as we naturally fish for seen trout, we naturally think that we know best, so we decide to follow our desires. Fishing for unseen trout seems illogical, as does much of God’s way of life. But it works better. He made us and best knows how life should be lived. I love the encouragement, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT).
After decades with him, I’ve learned he knows best. So I follow him as I fish—by faith that he knows best, not by how it may look to me. Even when it may not make sense. That works, in fishing for trout and following Jesus
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 your score higher? Will you?
