(Beginning August 1, the content of my blog will be completely different from the Girlfriends in God devotions. So if you are not signed up for my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com, please do it today…and invite all your friends. We’re going to have more give-a-ways, more personal interaction, and more inspiration than ever before! Now, on to today’s story!)
When they left the dock, the sky was blue, the wind was brisk, and the teenagers were ready to forge the sea. However, by nightfall, a threatening gale blew in and the rolling waves grew to fifteen foot walls of water, tossing the tiny boats like toys in a toddlers tub.“Loran,” the captain said, “This storm could mean big trouble for us. You’re going to have to stay up all night and hold the wheel steady to keep the boat on course.”
So all-night, Loran fought the storm. He kept alert. He prayed to the One who calms the seas and kept his eyes on the sailboats in front of him – one of which held two of his most prized possessions, his daughters. Hundreds of times, the boat shot straight into the air and then dashed into the inky water. But Loran held fast. It was a battle he was determined to win.
In the wee hours of the morning, the wind and rains came to a halt. The storm had passed and once again the boats cut a smooth path across the glassy sea. Everyone was exhausted from the rollicking of the night before, so the team decided to look for a lagoon to drop anchor and rest. One was found, and the three sailing vessels stopped for a few hours of rest and relaxation in the safety of the cove.
Loran jumped in the cool crystal blue water and suddenly realized how tired he was from the struggle of the night before. He turned over on his back, closed his burning eyes, and began to float. Slowly the knots in his neck and back began to unwind and tension escaped from his aching muscles. The noises of the teens playing in the water were soon muffled and the only sound he heard was water splashing against his skin and the occasional call of a sea gull. He was so relaxed he almost drifted off to sleep as his body drifted out to sea.
After some time, Loran looked up and noticed that he had drifted a great distance away from the rest of his party. They were playing happily in the water and had no idea Loran was gone.
“OK, Lord. Help me get back,” he prayed.
Loran swam and swam, fighting the water with all his might, but the receding tide was stronger that he was. After what seemed like a lifetime, Loran was still a mile or so from his friends and family.
“Help!” he cried. But no one heard his distant cry.
“Oh God! Don’t let me die now.”
Somehow, Loran finally made it back to the boat alive. As he lay panting on the deck, he realized a great truth.
Let’s Pray
Dear Father, help me to always be alert. I know that the devil roams around like a roaring lion looking for those who are aimlessly drifting through life. He sneaks in when we least expect it. Help me never to get too comfortable with my life that I drift aimless along, but rather keep me alert to the changing winds and tides – holding fast to You in the storms of life and in the calm seasons as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What Do You Think?
Can you think of a time when you were caught off guard by a temptation or by the devil?
What do you think could have made the difference in your ability to see the temptation coming?
How would you describe your spiritual life at the time…alert and on course or drifting?
If this post encouraged you to pay attention during both the calm and chaos, click over to my blog and say, “I’m on guard!”
Spiritual Warfare is very real. If you would like to learn more about how to take every thought captive and recognize the enemy before he strikes, check out my book, I’m Not Good Enough…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves. In it you’ll learn how to recognize Satan’s lies, reject the lies, and replace the lies with truth.
“We women today face many struggles and challenges trying desperately to balance our varied roles and responsibilities. If you’re like me, you’re looking for peace in the chaos of life, perspective among the cultural clattering that daily bombards us, and purpose that brings true fulfillment. I’ve discovered there’s only one place to find peace – it’s God peace; there is only one place to find a proper perspective – it’s God’s truth; and only one place to find true fulfillment – in discovering God’s purpose for my life.
One of my greatest joys has been having the privilege of watching God change women’s lives: setting the captive free, mending broken hearts, or opening the eyes of a new believer for the very first time. Whether it is a person’s first experience with the Savior or a seasoned saint growing deeper in her faith, my passion is to tell women about the truth that will set them free to be all that God has intended for them to be in Him (John 8:32; John 10:10).
My prayer for each life that I have the privilege of touching is “that they will be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
- Sharon Jaynes
One of my greatest joys has been having the privilege of watching God change women’s lives: setting the captive free, mending broken hearts, or opening the eyes of a new believer for the very first time. Whether it is a person’s first experience with the Savior or a seasoned saint growing deeper in her faith, my passion is to tell women about the truth that will set them free to be all that God has intended for them to be in Him (John 8:32; John 10:10).
My prayer for each life that I have the privilege of touching is “that they will be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
- Sharon Jaynes
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