“Captain! I'm not sure I can do this! What if I mess up? What about the sandbars and rocks in this channel? What if I get off course in the dark? How will I know before it's too late?”
Those were the frantic words of First Mate Alexander as he steered the ship through Ripside Channel for the first time.
“I once stood exactly where you are. You'll do fine. Besides, I'll be standing right here and won't let you mess up,” the captain replied. “Let me tell you how Ripside Channel got its name,” he continued. “Years ago, so many ships couldn't navigate the channel, so the community folks decided something should be done to help protect their sailors. They decided to place a light on top of a high pole in three places. One right on the beach and the other two spaced further back inland. The trick was to line up all three poles and lights until it looked like only one light. Once they did that, ships could sail safely through the channel.”
One hour later, a deep sense of relief swept over First Mate Alexander as the tugboat lights came into view. He'd successfully navigated Ripside Channel at night. This was one night he'd always remember.
As Christians, we'd do well to follow the captain's advice. We should line up our lives so we only see one light: the Savior, shining like a beacon in our darkness.
Although life's sea has many dangers and disappointments, our Captain has already charted the course and walked in our shoes. If we focus on Him—no matter the severity of the storm—we’re promised safe passage onto that heavenly shore.
Make sure you follow the right light.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Andy is a published multi-award-winning author with devotions appearing on the Christian Devotions website as well as the CBN website. He is a contributing author in the Starr Ayers/Stephanie Pavlantos book Room at the Table. Currently, he is working on his first novel and is assembling a book of inspirational Scripture-based short stories along with moral, personal, family, and comical stories. Andy is the founder and director of H.O.P.E. Ministries in Candler, NC. While operating primarily as a food ministry, they also provide backpacks, Easter baskets, and Christmas shoebox gifts to crisis pregnancy centers, domestic violence shelters, schools, government agencies, and other ministries. They also provide disaster relief and aid for unwed mothers and their children.