In the Same Boat

 These were the conversation between me and a very close friend.

Me: We will be travelling home next week.
Friend: I will go with you people he responded.
Me: Hope you know we're from the riverine and will cross water to get home?
Friend: Yes, I will still go with you people na. At least you're there.
Me: Hmmmmm! OK oooooo.

 I had wondered what ran across his mind when he felt my presence was as better as a safe haven. And then I smiled and said in my heart, do you think I'm God?

 We were on a trip in a speed boat across the ocean. At first, it was a thug of war to board the vehicle for departure, and then when the rest of the family had done so; leaving him alone on land and no available land vehicle to convey him back to our setoff home, he was left with no option but to board the boat.
 At takeoff, it was as if the movement was to hell and he gripped me like a parasitic plant on a tree. Please calm down. Nothing negative is gonna happen to us, I whispered.
Can't you see the vehicle is on water already, how are you sure?? He questioned. And I kept mute.
While the engine gained its full speed and gave a dynamic balance to the boat, it became a journey in the air. After about an hour or more, the engine propeller encountered an obstruction and that hampered the easy 'flight' cruise. This time, the land or trees were far beyond human sight, the water was almost at same level with the boat top. Then words cannot describe/define the level of gripping, the distraction was enough to make the driver loose sight as water splashed into the boat as a result of imbalance.

 As the driver made effort and removed the object and the engine again gradually picking to full speed/maximum power, more water splashed in and then he screamed '' Did God ask you and your family to lead me to my grave??''
 Ah! Alas! Now, you can be sure that I am not God - I whispered again.
 Then I quickly remembered the disciples encounter on the Lake of Galilee. Had Jesus been absent with them, what would be their reaction?
 Well, if this brother were one of the disciples too, what would be his own response??

 Life's problems are so numerous, challenging and unpredictable that their emergent striking seem to sweep-off our faith and trust in God and sweep-in fears into us leaving us wretched, without hope but to grab any trash around us as safe haven. In most cases, we don't even recognise Jesus' presence with us in the same situation just like the disciples did. We easily forget nor confess His assuring wordsyou go through the deep waters and great troubles, I am with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not be drowned! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God..." Isa 43:2,3a He will give His angel strick charge to protect you wherever you go...... Pslm 91:11ff

Whether the storms of life quickly blow over us or last for a longer time, we can be confident that we are in the same boat with the One whom even the winds and the sea obey - Cindy Kasper.

His silence aim to bring us out better and greater. No danger is so near the Christian that God is not nearer. Be encouraged even in your present situation.

Prayer:

HeavenHeavenlyr, this life is full of uncertainty. But you've promised us Your unfailing love and presence. May we see you today especially when the storm rages and we are tempted to panic or to do things with our own strength. Shalom!