Matthew 8:27: But the men
marveled, saying, what manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea
obey him!
Dad and I spent many mornings watching dawn break over
our backyard pond. Fishing poles in hand, we waited for the slightest nibble.
Often, we'd catch a few bream … enough to keep my hopes up.
As my tenth birthday neared, Dad hinted he had a
surprise for me. I awoke early, anticipating a gift, but found nothing. Then I
saw Dad, smiling, dressed in fishing clothes, carrying a tackle box. Somewhat
disappointed, I thought … just another day at our old pond.
Was I ever wrong! We hopped in his truck and drove
away - but to my surprise, not toward the pond. When Dad pulled up to the
seacoast, I was so excited! For the first time, I saw the ocean and huge fishing
boats docked at the pier.
"Don't just sit there," Dad said. "Grab the tackle box
and come on!" We walked past boats of different shapes and sizes; then there it
was - the monster of them all.
As I climbed the boat's ladder, I had no way of
knowing I was entering a new stage of my life. Curiously, I watched the work
going on around me: The Captain shouting orders with authority and the deckhands
performing their tasks efficiently.
Like a knife through butter, the boat parted the
ocean, taking me on my first deep-sea fishing trip. Far from land, the Captain
killed the engine, and we began drifting. Then he ordered: "Drop the anchor." As
the chain rattled over the side of the boat, I asked, "Dad, what does the anchor
do?"
"It keeps the boat from drifting," he said. Satisfied
with his brief explanation, I was eager to start fishing.
The day was perfect - plenty of sunshine, a cool
breeze, and hungry fish! There's nothing to deep-sea fishing, I thought; simply
drop the line - reel in a fish. By midday, I considered myself a true,
professional angler.
Dad and I were busy baiting our hooks, when the
Captain told us an approaching storm would cut the day short. Not wanting
anything to spoil my fun, I said, "It's okay - the anchor will keep us steady."
Chuckling, the Captain said, "What faith you have, young lady!"
Heavy and hard, the storm struck. Rain pelted the
deck, forcing us to take shelter. Violent winds rocked the boat; black clouds
loomed overhead. My happiness turned to fear. Realizing this, Dad squatted so
that his eyes were level with mine and said, "Not everything in life unfolds as
we want; sometimes things are beyond our control. At those moments, just
believe."
"Believe in what, Dad?"
"Anchors keep boats secure - as faith in God keeps
people secure."
Eventually, the storm subsided, the ocean became
smooth again, and the warm sun brightened my spirits. A wave of comfort swept
over me when I realized that through faith, I had endured the storm, and was
once again blessed with calm. That special birthday, I learned the value of
anchoring my soul in the Lord.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I ask for unwavering faith, knowing
You are in control of my life's storms. Remind me that I am always anchored in
Your security, and help me to focus on the calm You provide. You are the One
that even the wind and sea obeys. In Jesus Name, I pray.
Lisa McDaniel
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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