Snagged: A Review

I scrolled through my blog looking for a post I wrote three years ago. The site records how many viewers read the daily blog—some posts recorded single digits; most had two-digit readers. But this one, the ONLY ONE that had over a hundred interested readers, interrupted my search. Perhaps the devotional will resonate with someone today:

SNAGGED

Have you ever snagged a fishing line? Even worse, a big fish on the line caused the snag, and it got away, hook and cork attached to its mouth. Snags happen: Your bracelet pulled a thread in your favorite sweater; a fallen tree blocks the road; you must turn around. You had an unavoidable fender-bender.

You listen as a youngster excitedly tells of his “fishless” day until he suddenly snagged one. It was a big one that someone else lost, their hook and cork was dangling from its mouth! Hearing his story and seeing the excitement on his face, would that not give you a reason to say, “Thank you, Lord, for saving that fish for him?” God allowed you to be part of his blessing, giving you cause to rejoice. That sweater with a pulled thread—be thankful you have one; the snag is not so noticeable. The tree and the accident interfering with your plans could have been deterrents to something far worse on the path ahead. Snags are sometimes reminders for us to pause and look to God.

Every day we face problems of some sort. Whether big, small or hardly noticeable, they can be frustrating. So, what should we do when faced with life’s snags? The key to overcoming disappointing obstacles is to be joyful, pray continually (v. 16, 17), and be thankful. We can pray without ceasing because prayer can happen anywhere at any time. But to always be joyful and grateful in every circumstance? If you can think of no other reason, rejoice because Jesus understands; He died in your place. Gratitude from that standpoint will lead to further joy because of what He’s done in your life.

Now, consider the good snags. What? Do you think there are no good ones? What about that great deal you snagged with the online order that offered a discount at checkout or that “blue light special” when you just happened to be in the store? Did you snag another big fish, one that you brought home? Yes, there are good snags, blessings we unexpectedly “catch.” God is in control. He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28). What He works out may not be intended for you, but someone else. His plans are always for the greater good. Trust His wisdom. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks—this is God’s will for us: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess 5:18).