Being married to an avid sportsman, who loves to hunt and fish, has allowed me the opportunity to observe as well as participate in many types of outdoor experiences. Over the years, I have fished for sailfish, shark, salmon, flounder, bass, perch and crappie. My husband and sons have also fished for salmon and halibut in Alaska as well as a little fly-fishing for trout in Colorado.
What I have learned through observation and personal experience is that every species of fish respond differently to being caught. Some run with the bait and you have to wait until they tire out before reeling them in. With others, you jerk the hook hard and reel as fast as you can before they let go of the bait. There are those who fight with all their might while another kind submit easily once they have the bait. Each has its own unique characteristics and it takes experience to understand the best way to land a particular type of fish.
As fishers of men, we must be prepared for each individual to make his/her own decision in response to the message of Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility to share our faith with others, but Christ also has given us the Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts in advance and also to convict them of their need for Himself.
People respond differently because they are in different states of readiness. Some have hardened hearts, some are too worldly, others are too distracted by worries or problems and some are receptive.
We should continue to pray for opportunities to share the gospel with all types of people. With experience and a better understanding of each person with whom we share our faith, we refine the way we listen and speak. Therefore, we grow in the area of evangelizing.
Landing a fish takes patience, knowledge and experience. Becoming comfortable when sharing your faith with others also takes patience, knowledge and experience.
Just remember, you can't catch any fish if your hook isn't in the water.