Debbie Swindell

I sat on the balcony of our stateroom, my swollen feet and legs propped up on a pillow. I couldn’t help but marvel at the deep blue horizon before me. The vastness of the ocean stirred within me a reminder of God’s glory displayed in creation. Every wave seemed to echo His faithfulness and mercy, intertwining our travel experiences with the deeper truths of faith.

By God’s grace, I have enjoyed each moment and every planned excursion alongside dear friends who have generously welcomed us to join them. Our Creator has shown Himself faithfully and mercifully throughout our travels. Thanks to God’s grace, I never missed any scheduled events or excursions with our friends as we cruised the western Caribbean. Even as Christians, we often try to navigate our daily lives while dependent on our Captain to chart our course.

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul recounts his numerous trials, including multiple shipwrecks and constant dangers. He faced restlessness, hunger, thirst, and lack of shelter and supplies. To top it all off, he dealt with intense concern for the churches he had planted and for the welfare of his brothers and sisters in Christ. This was the man chosen by Christ to be His missionary to the Gentiles, blessed with unwavering faith and tremendous power through the Holy Spirit. His resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to the strength we can find in our faith. If he didn’t receive a pass, what chance do any of us have? Life often feels like a tumultuous sea where we search for direction and stability.

Moreover, stories of Christ’s suffering servants abound in the Bible. So, how do we endure adversity well today? What is God’s purpose in our hardships? It’s noteworthy that hardship is a common theme throughout Scripture, indicating that it is a subject God has chosen to instruct us about at great length. We can look to the saints of old as our example.

Paul willingly endured great losses, compelled by a purpose greater than his own—drawing others to Christ. In our moments of difficulty, this promise of a life poured out for something significant sustains us. This mission isn’t just reserved for apostles or missionaries; it is a calling for every believer. Each of us is invited to invest our time, talents, and treasures into Kingdom work. Pouring out our lives requires more than good intentions; it demands our blood, sweat, and tears. Following Christ is not an invitation to a life focused solely on comfort and pleasure; it often resembles a journey on a rickety wooden boat amidst stormy seas, far from the luxuries of a cruise liner. Yet, amid these challenges, we find something priceless: the presence of Jesus, who commands the winds and waves.

So, the next time life feels like a rough and stormy sea, remember: it may not be a pleasure cruise, but that little boat offers something far more profound, a seat beside Christ, our steadfast Captain, who guides us every day. In Him, we find unwavering hope and strength to weather any trial, even in the depths of the sea.