I crouched against the bulkhead amidships, where the pitch-and-roll of our vessel was less violent. Still, I could hear the roaring wind. I gasped as I looked through the windows, watching the typhoon push the vans we had parked on the quayside.

We are like sitting ducks, I thought. All the other ships tied up in Kagoshima, Japan, had left port to ride out the storm at sea. Our mission vessel, however, still waited for an engine part. We couldn’t move.

The previous night, I almost fell from my bunk when the typhoon rammed into us. Someone had pounded on the cabin doors, ordering everyone to get dressed and pack an emergency evacuation bag.

I was terrified. A few years before, I had lost my previous floating home when it went aground in such a storm. I prayed and tried to read the little devotional book I’d brought along for diversion. I don’t remember much of what I read, but the thought for that particular day etched itself on my heart: God will not always take you out of the storm, but He will always walk through it with you.

My panic began to ebb. The Maker of earth, heaven, and sea had delivered me before. He would remain faithful now and forever.

They say that calm seas don’t make good sailors. It seems logical, too, that Jesus’ followers can only gain spiritual maturity by enduring tough times.

I am happy to report that our mission ship eventually escaped the typhoon with only minor damage. However, one or two of the vessels that tried to ride it out at sea sunk.

God wants us to remember that He is ready, willing, and able to take control even when we feel the situation is hopeless. The next time you face a typhoon, trust His power and authority to bring you safely through it—and be amazed.