Only God Can “Clean” The Fish: Trusting God To Cleanse The Soul

The Fisherman’s Lesson

It was early morning by the shores of Galilee, and old Elias stood by the water, his hands worn and rough from years of casting his net. He was a seasoned fisherman, knowing the way of the tide, the patience needed to bring forth the bounty. But today, his heart was troubled, burdened by struggles of the flesh.

He gazed upon the waters and thought of the words of the Apostle Paul: “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6). His spirit wrestled within him—how could he overcome his weaknesses and fully surrender to the ways of Christ?

As he cast his net, an old friend, Nathan, approached. Nathan was known for his wisdom in the Word, and Elias, weary of his own failures, asked, “Nathan, my heart is heavy. I battle against the flesh, yet the stain of sin clings to me as the stench of fish to a fisherman’s hands. How do I rid myself of it?”

Nathan smiled, sitting beside him. “Elias, the fish stink because they are of the water, of the deep places where no man may go. But it is not for the fisherman to cleanse them—the cleansing is of God. We are called to cast our net in obedience, to bring forth the harvest, but it is up to God to clean the fish. We cannot take the stink out of flesh; only He can make it pure.”

Elias pondered his friend’s words. “Then, if I cast all my cares upon Him, as a fisherman casts his net upon the waters, will He bring in the bounty of peace?”

Nathan nodded. “Yea, for it is written, ‘Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Peter 5:7). The carnal mind seeks after the flesh and its temptations, but the spiritual mind follows after righteousness. ‘Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.’ (Galatians 5:16). The battle is not yours to fight alone, but His to claim victory.”

Elias lifted his face toward the morning sun, feeling a deep stirring within. He had spent his life learning to trust the water, knowing it would provide if he labored in faith. And now, he understood—just as he trusted the sea to bring forth fish, he must trust the Lord to cleanse him, to strengthen his spirit and bring the peace promised to those who seek Him.

As he pulled in his net, heavy with fish, Elias whispered a prayer:

“O Lord, Thou art my refuge and my strength. I have battled against the flesh and found no victory of mine own, but Thou art my Deliverer. As a fisherman casts forth his net, so do I cast my burdens upon Thee. Cleanse me, O God, and make me whole. Strengthen my spirit to walk in Thy ways, that I may reap the bounty of life and peace. For Thou art faithful, and Thy Word endureth forever. Amen.”

And in that moment, Elias felt a great peace wash over him, knowing that the Master of the sea was also the Master of his soul.

Only God Can Take the Stink Out of Fish

That’s a powerful and evocative truth—one that resonates deeply with the heart of spiritual transformation. Just as a fisherman can catch the fish but cannot cleanse them, we may labor in faith, strive in obedience, and battle against the flesh, but the work of true purification belongs to God alone.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.