Owning Your Storm

“The sooner we learn to be jointly responsible, the easier the sailing will be.”  -Ella Maillart

Sunday I joined friends on a sailboat.  The father owned the boat and had groomed his son to be able to take the reigns of the boat eventually.  This day would be the first time that the son would now have to steer the ship on his own.  Unexpectedly we ran into a squall that rocked us to the point that the ship tilted on its side.  To a newbie like me, it seemed as though we might crash into the pier.  Never once, however, did the father stop believing in the son.  In the end the son had passed the test with flying colors, and the proud father beamed with joy.  Sometimes our Heavenly Father will allow us to face storms so that our faith is tested.  Even though your Heavenly Father may not do everything for you, He is with you and stands ready to assist you.  When you come out stronger than ever, just as this father looked at his son, so will your Heavenly Father look at you.  

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV).