Christ, the Best Navigator

Life can be compared to a journey across the sea. At the time of our birth, our life-vessel sets off on its journey, headed toward the harbor of heavenly rest, where the soul of man is to be eternally at home.

To safely make this journey over the sea of life, we want to learn a lesson from Matthew 8:23-26: “Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

It seems as if the disciples had not gotten very far on their journey across the sea, when a great storm suddenly and unexpectedly rose. The waves rose high, and soon the little boat began to fill with water. The disciples were at their end, and feared not only the loss of their boat but also their lives. Perhaps some of their friends had already perished in the sea, and now they may have thought that their end had come. Their situation seemed hopeless.

Jesus had gotten into the boat with them. He was tired and had laid down to sleep. The disciples had seen how He had helped other people throughout the day. And now, when the need and danger were great, He could also help them. So they decided to wake Him up before it was too late. “Lord, save us! We are perishing!" they cried. Jesus arose, rebuked the wind and the sea and immediately there was a great silence. The storm settled, and the sea, which had been raging until then, was completely calm at the words of Jesus. The disciples’ lives were saved, and all their fear had now disappeared. Oh, how glad they were that the danger was now over!

What a privilege it was for the disciples to have such a mighty Friend. He had control over the wind and the sea. Jesus stood quietly and peacefully in the small fishing boat, and they arrived safely and unscathed on the other side. No doubt the disciples were grateful to their Master for this wonderful salvation.

Over two thousand years have passed since that wonderful event on the Sea of Galilee. But there are also many storms today,  not just on the sea, but also in our lives. Many have already been shipwrecked and have not reached the longed-for haven of rest. They have tried to navigate the storms of life without Jesus, the Master Navigator, and have failed.

But no one would have had to perish if they had known Jesus Christ, who is mightier than all the storms and every danger that may threaten them. Whoever commends themselves to His protection and care is secure. If we have Jesus Christ, the best navigator, in our lifeboat, we will not suffer shipwreck on the sea of life, but will surely reach the glorious destination.

Is the Lord Jesus Christ with you in the lifeboat, dear reader? Does He hold the helm in His hand? He wants to bless your life and guide you safely through all dangerous storms and billows in the year that lies before us. Oh, what a privilege it is to have such a mighty Friend in life and in death! Treasure this privilege, and completely surrender the direction of your life to Him!

Robert P. Loudermilk