Sailing With Jesus

TheCypressTimes.com ^ | 10/13/2009 | Ann Lindholm

[Patriot1259]

also believe that this is why my secret place, which isn't a secret anymore, is standing at the edge of the sea. My favorite time to be there is when a storm is approaching. You see, God has carried me through so many storms in my life. He did not prevent the storms or make them stop. He did not remove me from those storms. In fact, He rode them out with me. Don't get me wrong, there are times when He will stop them or remove you, He does have that power! I felt His presence which is what carried me and gave me strength. The relationship I have with Him has allowed me to recognize His voice and His presence. There are times when maybe I have waited a little longer than I would like to have waited. However, He always shows up.

Now, mind you, I explained the storms still come. So, if the storms still come and He is with me, does that mean the storms are a piece of cake? No way. The trials I have faced before I truly knew God were awful and painful. I would never want to encounter another experience like that again. The storms I have encountered after knowing God are different kinds of storms. Storms that are not of my control first of all.

[Patriot1259]

A reminder from Ann Lindholm that Jesus will calm the storms in our life and take care of us through them all - if we let him.

[Fiji Hill]

This great Methodist gospel song seems appropriate:

THE OLD SHIP OF ZION

I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea,
And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be,
When away at my side, there I dimly descried,
A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
And loudly I cried: “Ship ahoy!”

’Twas the “old ship of Zion,” thus sailing along,
All aboard her seemed joyous, I heard their sweet song;
And the Captain’s kind ear, ever ready to hear,
Caught my wail of distress, as I cried out in fear:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
As I cried out in fear: “Ship ahoy!”

The good Captain commanded a boat to be lowered,
And with tender compassion He took me on board;
And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away
In the blood of my Savior, and now I can say:
“Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
From my soul I can say: “Bless the Lord!”

O soul, sinking down ’neath sin’s merciless wave,
The strong arm of our Captain is mighty to save;
Then trust Him today, no longer delay,
Board the old ship of Zion, and shout on your way:
“Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”
Shout and sing on your way: “Jesus saves!”

—M. J. Cartwright & Daniel Towner, 1889