Have you ever been shipwrecked? As a college student I took a course in “Sailing,” and learned to sail a small Sunfish. On a stormy day, I decided to go sailing. The attendant argued with me noting that the winds were dangerously strong. Somehow I persuaded him that I was an experienced sailor and could safely navigate the wind.
As soon as I started the wind pulled the knot out of my hand and sent me skimming across the river faster than I had ever gone. Just then I saw a close friend who was also sailing. He shouted something but I could not hear him clearly. As he drew closer I asked, “What did you say?” “I’m out of control,” he shouted as his boat hit mine broadside. Then for one moment we sailed together, with our boats linked on the journey. He opined that I should push off. I did and my boat flipped upside down. The sail hung on the bottom of the river so that I could not turn it over. I waited in the water until the attendant came to get me out. In the process of rescuing me, he fell into the water with his brand new tennis shoes on. It was a bad day.
Shipwrecks come in all shapes and sizes, even for those who never get in boats. Paul and his companions found themselves in a horrific storm. Eventually their ship would crash, but God spoke to him preparing him with the promise of his presence and his plan.
Whatever storm you find yourself in today, be confident of these two truths: (1) God is with you as his child. (2) God has plans for you which must be fulfilled by his grace and for his glory.
