The Sinking Ship

In the winter of 1995, a fishing boat began to sink in the rough, cold waters off Vancouver Island, west of British Columbia, Canada. The two men on board quickly moved to a life raft that was tied to the sinking boat by a nylon rope. Unfortunately, the rope was tied so tightly, they could not untie it. As the fishing vessel began to list and take on more and more water, the men knew they couldn't reboard it. At the same time, neither had brought a knife onto the life raft with which to cut the raft free from the sinking ship.

Both men knew that if the boat went down, it would pull the life raft under the water, and them along with it! They were in severe danger of drowning unless they could find a way to cut the rope. The two men began chewing the rope, alternating as each man's jaw became exhausted. One of the men lost a tooth in the process. They worked steadily and feverishly for more than an hour, and minutes before the fishing boat sank completely, they chewed through the rope! They survived to be rescued later by another fishing vessel.

Many times in life we allow circumstances to drag us down like a sinking ship. Praise God our lives do not have to succumb to adverse conditions. We have the ultimate escape plan through trusting our Father in Heaven. The shepherd-turned-king David knew adverse circumstances. He had committed adultery in his own life, and his life at one point was in danger from both friends and foes alike.

However, in the midst of his trials, he understood the escape and the protection that was from the Lord. Psalm 23:4 records David's trust in God, stating: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Today, take confidence in the protection and grace of God and don't give up, even if you feel you're on a sinking ship.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)