Whenever, Wherever

October 5, 2025

Dr. Paul Cannings

I saw a sign on the back of a boat being pulled by a truck that read, “I live to fish.” The man driving was either on his way to the lake (fishing poles already in the boat) or returning home. Since it was early morning, I assumed he was heading out.

I couldn’t help but wonder: what motivates a person to rise that early on a Saturday, gather their gear, and head to the lake in hopes of catching a fish they could easily buy at the store? Why risk their safety on the water? Why spend so much money on a boat and equipment? What drives such devotion to fishing?

Then I noticed a child in the passenger seat—likely his son—and the light came on.

The passion wasn’t just about fishing; it was about love. The sign belonged to the father, but the son was in that truck because he loved his dad and wanted to be with him. Over time, the father’s love and passion naturally became the son’s passion. Like father, like son.

That’s how it is with God. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our passion for His purposes only grows as we “ride with Him” wherever He goes. Jesus said we must have the faith of a child (Matthew 18:1–4). To abide in His love is to walk with Him, learning to desire what He desires: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10).

His love reshapes our hearts and bends our will toward things we would never have cared about apart from Him.

So, the question is: Are you in the truck?

• Are you in His will whenever He calls?
• Are you willing to go where He leads, even when it’s not where you would choose?
• Are you living, as Paul said, “crucified with Christ,” so that your life is no longer your own but His? (Galatians 2:20).

Do you love to do what Christ loves to do? So goes the Shepherd, so go the sheep???