The words in Habakkuk 3:17-19 meshes perfectly with mine and Tim’s recent day of fishing.
We headed out about twenty miles to go offshore fishing. We could see rain clouds ahead of us. Do you weave around them or go through them? Regardless, they were obstacles in our way. Captain Tim navigated the boat wonderfully to our destination.
You are unable to see it in the photo, but in the midst of the first rain shower, when we looked in front of us, there was a huge rainbow. I just smiled and said, “God promises it will be a great day.”
Then, through the second or third rain obstacle, another sign of God’s promise was off to the right. Another reminder that even though there will be storms in life, keep your focus on Jesus and there will be glory in the end.
The four rain showers we navigated through, or on the skirts of, were not the only obstacle that day. Those were a piece of cake compared to the frustration that lay ahead. When you fish in over a hundred feet of water, having a trolling motor that keeps you in your chosen spot is key (a bonus, and a luxury compared to how we fished offshore years ago). Well…the GPS anchoring system decided to stop working. The current was ripping, making it more difficult to fish and remain in position. Let’s just say the frustration level for the captain was extremely high. Especially since this had been a problem in the past and was supposedly corrected.
Captain’s knowledge of how to get us back to our fishing spot numerous times was excellent. Extremely annoying for the captain, but executed beautifully.
Then…for the final obstacle…the sharks. Luckily we had brought a couple of keepers up to and in the boat without any problems, but…of course when I had a grouper twice as large as my first…fins appeared in the water. I tried, with even the captain’s help, to get that large grouper up to the boat as fast as I could, but…the speed and precision of the shark was the victor. A second shark decided to come just minutes after the snack of the first.
Here’s the deal with Habakkuk 3:17-19,
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. (emphasis mine)
Even though there are troubles and trials in life, yet I will rejoice in the Lord.
Here’s the bright side of our fishing day:
- We have fish for dinner.
- I’m glad that if the GPS anchoring system had to go out, it was with me and not a group of guys Tim will take fishing on a later date. Hopefully, the problem will be solved before that so that they will have a successful trip.
- A day on the water, surrounded by God’s amazing creations is fabulous. I saw more offshore crabs swimming than normal, more flying fish than usual, a pod of dolphin enjoying the smooth waters, and the clear water was breathtaking.
- A day with my man is appreciated, even though we didn’t want to communicate too much for a time. Haha
I pray that you will rejoice in the Lord, even though there will be aggravating, annoying, and tests in life. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
