One of my most terrifying times was as a teen on a sailboat. My family and I were in the Bahamas on vacation when a hurricane approached. Our small boat wasn’t seaworthy in a storm, so Dad arranged another option with a family docked beside us.
Dad would help the other man navigate a much larger vessel to Ft. Lauderdale. As the oldest child, I would travel with my father in the first group since space was limited. So we set off with the plan that the remaining family members would be picked up by the man with his airplane.
Never before had I sailed. Neither had I seen fourteen-foot-high waves tower overhead. The sailboat lurched and bucked from one trough to another. I got seasick and retired below deck. Eternity seemed to last as I tumbled from one side of the berth to other smelling diesel fumes in the coffin-like cabin. Could we outrun the storm?
I huddled below and tried to be brave. Dad helped topside and checked on me often. I don’t remember if I even knew how to pray, but I gained courage watching my father’s resolve. With him, I would be safe. The same is true with our Heavenly Father.
Life’s journey can be rough. Seas of uncertainty rise; vision becomes blurry. We fear what’s ahead but can’t turn back. Take heart. God is with us. His compass is unfailing, and He will direct us to secure ports.
God will calm the fury. Seeing His face full of love, we can enjoy a soft breeze, sunshine, and salty air.
Today’s Bible Verse:
“You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. You formed the mountains by your power and stilled the roaring of the seas and the turmoil of the nations.” (from Psalm 65:5-7 NIV)
