When The Wind Is Knocked From Your Sails

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How do we survive the storms that knock the wind from our sails? When you’re no longer sure of your steps? No longer sure if you’re moving in the right direction? How do we get back on the course God has set for our lives? 

Some days I feel like I’ve boarded a boat with God to follow Him on a great adventure, but a squall came out of nowhere and stalled the boat. The sails lost their wind and the boat is adrift, taking on water.

Can you relate? Ever have that feeling of uncertainty of where you’re going? If you’re on the right path? If what you’re doing is the right next step?

How can we get back on course? How can we trim the sails and catch the wind again?

These storms of life so often overtake us. Drag us off course, disrupt our plans, our lives. They don’t even have to be big storms, just the everyday, ordinary ones to cause just enough disruption for us to lose sight of the path.

Today, as I was swirling in my storms, allowing the winds to toss my boat around the sea and send me off course, I reconnected with my compass. I spent some quiet time with God and allowed Him to remind me of the direction He’s set for my life. I also heard from an old friend who shared some perfect words of encouragement. Exactly what I needed to propel myself through this squall. The power to trim my sails and begin to get my boat headed back in the right direction.

I am reminded of the disciples caught in a storm at sea. Jesus had set a course for them to cross the sea and they were following.

[guestpost]One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. (Luke 8:22-23 NIV)[/guestpost]

A squall come out of nowhere and waves crashed over their boat. They were taking on water and the boat was about to break apart. They were fearful and unsure how they would get out of the storm. Yet, Jesus was in the boat with them – sleeping peacefully!

[guestpost]A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” (Luke 8:23-24 NIV)[/guestpost]

They woke him and with just a few words, he calmed the storm and they were able to continue on their way.

[guestpost]He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:24-25 NIV)[/guestpost]

The same can be true in our lives. When we set off on this adventure of faith, Jesus is in our boat. He’s not worried about the storms he knows we’ll hit. We just need to have that same faith.

So, next time your boat hits a squall or even a larger storm, here are some ways to get back on course:

1) Take time to consult your compass.

Set aside some quiet time for prayer and, most importantly, listening with God. Give Him the space to speak to your heart.

2) Reconnect with God’s plan for your life.

Think back to the last time your boat was sailing confidently ahead and you felt on course. What were you doing? What was different in your life then? Use this to realign with His plan for your life.

3) Remember Jesus is in your boat.

Have faith and trust that Jesus will get you through the storm.

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