Time for Favor

I was a young man when Pastor Howard Richardson called me by name at a tent meeting in Grand Prairie, Texas. He was praising and seeking the Lord, then said the words I will never forget. 

“Troy, when I see you, the Lord shows me something really off-the-wall. I see you catching a great big fish. When you catch it, the Lord is saying it’s a sign that your ministry is not going to be a little bitty ministry, but a great big ministry.” 

That was certainly an off-the-wall word. Months passed, and I began to forget the prophecy that would forever shape my life. 

At that time, there was a huge perk at the company I worked for – an all-expense paid vacation to Las Hadas, Mexico. For a young couple, it was a real Godsend!

The food was fabulous, the beach was beautiful, and the accommodations were five-star. We could either go scuba diving or deep-sea fishing. Leanna was excited about fishing, but I was not. My last fishing trip was a 12-hour pukefest, but I agreed. I’m so glad I did. 

There were six of us in the boat, and the sailfish were biting. The captain said he had never seen anything like it – fish on all six lines at the same time! It took hours and hours, and when my turn came, I began reeling, and my line snapped. Bummer! 

However, my tired bride gladly handed me her pole, and I pulled in a 9-foot, 6-inch sailfish.  I never will forget that night as I lay in bed exhausted. I was almost asleep when Leanna calmly said, “Troy, do you remember the prophecy Howard gave you about catching the big fish?”

I nearly fell out of bed. That’s when things started to happen. I came back from Mexico knowing that God had a worldwide ministry for me. Our church began to take shape, and God began to bless Leanna and me, showering us with favor. 

Do you need His favor? Ask for Him to do something off the wall for you, then be prepared to act on the blessing you’re given.