If I were to write a book, this blog site would be my repartee (rep-a-twa). I feel like a fish out of water in this life, and yet I am doing, living, and serving as the Lord would have me to do, as best I can, with what I have, from where I am at. I am 58 years old now, soon to be 59 (should the Lord tarry a few more weeks). I am in relatively good shape, I work out, I eat right (mostly), according to my dentist, my teeth are in good shape, and I don’t have back problems (thank God). While I don’t take any meds, I do take vitamins and limit my refined sugar intake. I have a construction skillset that has supplemented my life in a way that has allowed me to help others around here who need it. For this I am grateful, and the many power tools that it takes to get these jobs done. My latest tool I purchased is a DeWalt laser level; I am installing metal tack strips along the hallways of a local Christian school that requires a level head and a level line. Alas, this is part of the ride home.
So, let’s talk about this feeling of being a fish out of water. It’s like I am here, but I want to be there. I am sure that every fish that was ever caught in a net or on a hook line and ended up in a container has felt the same way, at least for a while. This life has been a good one and I have made the most of it, serving the Lord, serving His people, preaching the gospel, being a good witness, and having a little fun along the way. I have been married for 34 years now, we have three wonderful adult offspring who have wonderful spouses. Together, they have six kids, our wonderful grandchildren (and the 7th one is on the way). They all live close to each other and to us which is what I believe God planned for us in this last lap. This is God doing what He does best, blessing us.
In the midst of the blessing, I have come to understand that getting attached to stuff is NOT the way to go. I no more feel that I own anything in this world than I do my own life. I have been bought with a price, a high price, and my life is not my own. I belong to Jesus, He is my Lord and my Savior.
“…your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
Because Christ is my Lord, I will obey Him. Because He is my Savior, I am forgiven of my sin and bound for Heaven. This is a good thing. Jesus can’t be your Savior if He isn’t your Lord, and He can’t be your Lord if He isn’t your Savior; they come as a package deal. Even with this gracious truth, I feel more like a fish out of water than I ever have; however, this fish is saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
My challenge to you my brother (sister) is that you too come to terms with your faith in God and more importantly, your relationship with Jesus. Is He your Lord and Savior? As this world continues to spin out of control, it’s becoming more clear to me that where we are headed is a fork in the proverbial road. To the right is the Rapture of the Church; to the left is the seven-year tribulation. Nobody in their right mind would ever want to experience the tribulation and everyone in their right mind would pursue the Christ, surrendering themselves to Him, and receiving His gracious gift of salvation.
For a man who feels like a fish out of water, this is great news because there is a place where we, as God’s children, are going, it’s Heaven, and all that it entails. To all my fellow fish out of water feelers, we’re almost home. Make sure that the life you live now is for the glory of the Lord. Be a good witness of the Father and do your best to be your best in how you occupy in this last of the last moments.
One more thing, when the Rapture does finally occur, the feeling of being a fish out of water is going to leave as you do. Your instantaneous transformation into your glorified body at the instant the trumpet sounds and we are called up will solidify all of what we have believed to be true our entire Chirstian life. Our faith will finally become sight and we will be with Jesus, forever.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 34-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a former Lead Pastor (25 years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 