WINNING IN THE WIND

I watched the 12-meter yachts Liberty and Australia II compete off the coast of Rhode Island for the prestigious America’s cup championship. The heavier Liberty sailed best in winds of 15 to 20 knots, but the Australia II, with her innovative super-keel, performed better in winds between 7 to 12 knots. But no matter what conditions the crews faced, they took full advantage of the available wind and competed with great skill. Christians are a lot like those two boats. Some require the strong winds of adversity to develop their character; others make the best progress when the sailing is not too rough. In either case, we need to learn to adapt ourselves to God’s conditions. The Heavenly Father knows whether our "vessel and keel" are made for heavy winds or light. And He is in control. The psalmist said, "He commands and raises the stormy wind" (Psalm 107:25), and "He calms the storm" (verse 29). This applies to His control over our trials as well as the physical elements.

Unlike the contestants in the America’s Cup match, Christians don’t have meteorologists to forecast life’s wind speed and direction. But we have peace in God’s assurance that He will guide us, in calm or stormy weather, safely to our harbor (verse 30).

Fierce drives the storm, but wind and waves within His hand are held; And trusting His omnipotence, My fears are sweetly quelled.