Vantage point

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Keeping divine appointments

I stood on a Pacific Ocean pier, fishing rod in hand, watching the waves lap gently at the pylons. Gulls were catching wind currents as terns nose-dived into the surf for small fish.

I was in my own world. I had intentionally chosen a portion of the pier devoid of other anglers. I wanted time alone.

And then I saw him coming. How could you miss the red-checked sports jacket and patent leather shoes?

I hope he keeps walking, I thought.

And then I had another thought — one that wasn’t mine: Witness to him.

I selfishly resisted, and the walking fashion disaster moved on.

Alone again, I thought.

Several minutes later, as I leaned on the railing, I caught a glimpse of red out of the corner of my eye. I turned, and there he stood, patent leather shoes glistening in the sunlight.

“Having any luck?” he asked.

“Not much,” I replied, my mind racing through conviction, repentance and prayer for direction. When I was selfishly disobedient, God didn’t let me off the hook. I knew this was a divine appointment. When I obeyed, I found a broken man who desperately needed someone to tell him there was hope.

And so I did. Before he left we exchanged addresses, and I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed with him.

He was wiping away tears as he walked away, then turned back and said, “Thank you.”

I learned several lessons that day three decades ago:

• The most important fishing is fishing for people.

• Our problems never outweigh the needs of the spiritually lost.

• The Holy Spirit directs believers. We must obey.

• Our spirits must always be ready to respond.

The most effective way I know to witness is this: Know the plan of salvation; be Spirit-filled, prayed up and ready to witness; look for open doors.

Do this, and the Holy Spirit will bring divine appointments your way.

Ken Horn

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