What Fish Money Can Do - Martin Wiles

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20 NLT

She played, people clapped, and I told them that’s what fish money did.

Mom’s family attended a small United Methodist church on a country road. The lady who played the piano was older and beginning to miss a few notes. My grandmother wanted Mom to play, even though she was only in elementary school. But she didn’t know how she’d fund the lessons. My grandfather wasn’t about to shell out the money.

But my grandmother had a plan. She loved to fish and sold most of her catches to neighbors who were more than willing to buy them. She could use this money to pay for Mom’s piano lessons. And she did. However, her instructions to the piano teacher were clear: teach her hymns first—and then the other songs. She wanted Mom to play in church as soon as possible.

My grandmother’s plan worked. Mom took lessons, my grandmother paid for them with fish money, and Mom began playing in the Gerizim United Methodist Church when she was elementary age. Almost seventy years later, she’s still playing in church when she has the opportunity. She played for Dad at almost every church he pastored, and now, ironically, she plays for me in the church I pastor.

Fishing attracted Jesus too. The first disciples He called made a living at it. But He told them to leave their nets and their livelihood and follow Him. He would make them fishers of people. After several years of training—and His death—He would set them free to change the world.

God doesn’t require that we have much because He owns it all. My grandmother had very little—and I’m sure she never imagined Mom would use her talent as she had. Mom’s dream involved becoming a concert pianist, but God called her to use her talent in the small churches Dad pastored in South Carolina and Tennessee. The earthly pay stunk, but I imagine the heavenly reward will be worth it.

God is more than willing to send opportunities our way. All that He requires is that we ask for them. And to ask for the faith eyes to see them when He sends them. Busyness and misplaced priorities can blind us, but our willingness opens unimaginable doors.

Don’t underestimate what God can do with a small amount of resources—and your faith.

Tweetable: Are you giving God your little? 

Prayer: Father, show us what You can do in our lives when we trust You by faith. 

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