FATC Days of Christmas (Day 19)…The Final Cast

FATC Days of Christmas (Day 19)…An Invitation from the Bank & The Final Cast 

(From God Must Be A Fly Fisher by author Daniel Bryant)

 

An Invitation from the Riverbank

Maybe you’re already a believer in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Maybe you’re not.

Maybe you’d like to believe –but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe all this talk of faith and grace and peace sounds nice, but a little out of reach.

Well… this is where you start.

You begin with this story.

You begin by looking around.

Look at the river. The trees. The clouds.

Look at the way a trout holds in the current—how its gills pulse with oxygen drawn from water that never stops flowing.

Look at the way the seasons change, the way the snow melts, the way life renews itself in spring without anyone telling it to.

Look at creation.

Because Scripture says: “Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” (Romans 1:20)

In other words, you can see God…if you re willing to look.

And if you’re wondering where Jesus fits in?

He tells us directly: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

That’s a bold statement. Exclusive. Absolute.

And I know—some will ask: “But what about all the other religions? All the people who never hear about Jesus?”

I hear you. I’ve asked the same question.

But Jesus also said this: “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

I believe, with all my heart, that every human soul—past, present, or future—will be given the opportunity to hear the truth. To know the Gospel. To respond. To choose.

Because God is just.

And God is merciful.

And He has gone to extraordinary lengths—through prophets, creation, Scripture, and ultimately His own Son—to reveal Himself to us.

But it’s up to each of us to respond.

My Choice

I know this because I’ve encountered Jesus throughout my life—not in visions or voices, but in moments of profound grace, divine timing, and impossible peace.

I’ve experienced His favor, His mercy, His provision, and His protection in ways I couldn’t have orchestrated if I tried.

I’ve felt His presence beside rivers, in the stillness of morning, in the kindness of strangers, in the laughter of family, in the healing of brokenness, and in the whisper that says, “I’m still here.”

These weren’t coincidences.

There are no coincidences.

Everything happens for a reason.

But to see it—to really see it—you have to slow down.

You have to stop rushing.

You have to quiet the noise and listen for the truth that’s been calling your name all along.

The Bible Is True.

I believe the Bible is true—not because someone told me to, but because it holds up.

Because every time I’ve doubted it, it’s proven itself deeper, more beautiful, and more alive than I expected.

And I believe that just as Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried… He also rose again.

Not metaphorically.

Not symbolically.

Literally. Physically. Eternally.

And He will return—just like He promised.

Maybe sooner, a lot sooner than we realize.

Your Cast, Your Choice

So here we are, standing on the riverbank of decision.

Maybe you’ve been drifting for a long time.

Maybe you’ve been fighting the current.

But Jesus stands in the shallows, hand outstretched, simply saying:

“Follow Me.”

Not follow a religion.

Not follow rules.

Follow Him.

And like any good guide, He doesn’t demand perfection—He Just asks for trust.

So, whether you’re full of belief, full of questions, or full of fear… just know this:

The cast is yours.

The invitation is real.

The Savior is waiting.

All you have to do is say “Yes.”

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The Final Cast

We’ve drifted through Scripture.

We’ve waded into memory.

We’ve watched fish rise and storms fall still.

But this isn’t the end.

This is the beginning of something new.

Because if this book has done anything, I hope it’s helped you see that God is not far away. He’s not distant or silent or hiding behind the clouds.

He’s in the water.

He’s in the woods.

He’s in the cast.

And most of all—He’s in your story.

Maybe your journey of faith is well underway.

Maybe it’s just starting.

Maybe it starts right now.

Wherever you are, know this: God sees you.

He loves you.

And He is inviting you into a relationship—not a religion, but a real, daily, walk-with-Him kind of life.

So, take the next step.

Open your heart.

Let your guard down.

Let Him in.

And if you’re ready, here’s a prayer to help you begin.

A Prayer by the River

Lord Jesus,

I don’t have all the answers.

l’ve drifted, I’ve doubted, I’ve tried to do life on my own.

But today, I’m slowing down long enough to look around—To see You in creation, in my story, and in the stillness of this moment.

I believe You are who You say You are—the Son of God, the Savior of the world, Who died for my sins and rose again to give me life.

I invite You into my heart.

Forgive me.

Change me.

Lead me.

Help me walk with You— One day, one cast, one step at a time.

Thank You for grace.

Thank You for truth.

Thank You for this river of life You’ve offered me.

In Your name I pray,

Amen.

If you prayed that prayer—welcome home.

And if you’re not ready yet? That’s okay. Open a Bible. Keep reading. Keep exploring. Keep walking. Keep fishing. Because the river flows all the way to grace, and Jesus never stops calling.

I’ll leave you with this final thought:

The fish may rise. The seasons may change. But the love of God flows steady and strong—now and forever.

So, wade in deep.

And never stop listening for His voice in the current.

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SO FATC BROTHERS–MY INVITATION TO YOU…if you’ve been reading this and would like to talk more about what was said —or about getting into a study of God’s Word along with a few of your other FATC friends, our Thursday mornings Legacy Builders Bible Study is starting up again on January 15, 2026—and we would love it if you would join us.

Just contact me…

John Muckerman

FATC Inspiration and Leadership Lead

314-435-4041

[email protected]