4th January

Storms of Life

“The LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up.” Jonah 1:4

Many have heard of the story of Jonah being swallowed by a giant fish. This passage mentions the great storm and the ship was about to break up. A wise counsellor once said, “A skilled mariner never learns his trade in calm waters.” And yet many fear drowning at sea.

Life in Christ is one of total trust, and having things happen to you in life that do not seem fair or proper. Jonah would have felt this at the time. And yet, a skilled seaman knows that it is in the storms that he sharpens his skills, not tied up alongside back in port. It is in the storm that he is forced to face any uncertainty. Most skilled mariners know that in a storm, to remain safe, you need to point the bow into the wind and sail through the storm. Turning in a storm and trying to run away will mean the ship will be swamped by waves and sink.

Father, as the clouds and winds of the next storm approach,
May I be found with heart prepared for whatever lies ahead,
And my eyes firmly fixed on you

What is God wanting you to learn in your next storm?