Jesus and I are fishing.
A long time ago, the Lord invited me to permanently step on board His boat to fish with Him for the rest of my life.
I said yes.
As of today, we are relaxing, laughing, partaking in the eating and drinking of His sacrifice, and speaking about dreams that He has for His Kingdom on earth. The best part of this story though is…. He has chosen me (ROBBY CHRIST RIGGS) through this raggedy, broken, beaten down man-to advance His kingdom. He loves me like a true father does. He has given me a new life, hope, and mindset! It is humbling…and what have I said to Him?
“Yes Dad, I will go.” Not through my own knowledge and strength, but by YOURS.
I love the lake without a doubt and it has always been a refuge place for my family in a sense. Everywhere people are smiling, waving, eating together, etc. You always feel safe- it is as if you have entered a new land- away from this crazy world. When you wake up early in the dawn to go fishing–you never know what the day will turn out to be. I have had many frustrations in fishing… my lure being lost, the string popped while I was reeling in the fish, times where the fish never bit the bait all day, or it was so grand that it took the fishing pole right from my hand (I was a kid) :>). Through all of these upsets, being able to catch ONE keeper has always outweighed the upsets by far.
Are you seeing the resemblance?
Through years of being a “Christian” I did the typical. I behaved as I was told to in this culture, spoke the correct things, acted right in front of people, and yet- I really wasn’t pursuing Him and His dreams with my whole heart– my heart wasn’t in the right place. I and God only knew this… Did you hear that? My heart wasn’t aligned with His… I wasn’t following Him the way I should, I was too concerned with this world and what it had to offer me-and it was eating me alive. I have learned an incredible amount this past year, but the one thing God always reminds me of is this…”Robby, I am more concerned with your heart than anything else.” It is not what I do for Him, but how much I truly yearn for Him, desire Him, and seek Him with everything I have-what flows from that will be evidence of His glory! So, I have had several upsets needless to say but through His unfailing love, mercy, and grace He always calls me back gently, and by His net- He always catches me through the all the falls.
Today, I stand as a forgiven man who battles the lies and temptations of Satan daily. I admit that I am still a sinner and struggle a tremendous amount. But, I stand with my head high and even though you can’t see it- I feel bruised, black eyed, swollen mouth, missing teeth, a bit bloody, and yet, it has all been for the sake of Christ. I am warrior for Christ! I and YOU have got to stand up in fight for Freedom, for Justice, for Christ! RISE UP (FROM YOUR BROKENESS) BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST and FIGHT! I don’t care how old or young you are…He USES anyone that is willing to die for Him- it may not be a martyr, but we are all called to die to self…DAILY… to lay your own desires down in this world and truly seek Him!! It is all for His glory!
There is no doubt that I love the Lord, I stand on His promises even when “I don’t feel like it”–I have asked for Nations in His name- I have asked for tribes and the lost in this world to know Jesus. Messiah. I have chosen to serve Him all the days of this earthly life through the thick and thin. I know this walk with Christ is not an easy road…I said my vows a while back and I’m committed through all eternity.
I am taken.
Are you?
Have you given everything to Him?
Do you believe that He still is a God who saves all?
Do you believe that He is YOUR DAD and wants the best for you?
Striving to be more like Him daily,
Robby
