August 14, 2024 Sail by Ash Breeze
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Sail by Ash Breeze
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
“Carry On Mr. Bowditch”… Sam said, “Bah! Only a weakling gives up when he’s becalmed! A strong [person] sails by ash breeze!” (from p.47, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch)
In the golden age of sailing, the wooden ships depended entirely on wind as their source of power. When the ship found itself in a total calm, the crew could do nothing but wait for a “favorable breeze”. However, if on a time sensitive mission or coming under attack, drifting was not an option. The crew climbed into a small rowboat they tethered to the larger vessel, dug their oars into the water, and rowed with all their might.
Can you imagine the strain and pain it took to move that “becalmed” ship forward? Because the oars were made of white ash, the term “sailing by ash breeze” was born.
While we sometimes welcome the peace of a becalmed sea when sailing through our harried days, often they occur at the worst possible times. The adverse winds of layoffs or economic downturns can put personal plans on temporary hold; unexpected illness or medical conditions may leave us dead in the water; or any significant loss, like the death of a loved one or a broken relationship, can cause normal activities to grind to a halt, leaving us in a becalmed sea of sorrow. Even mounting daily stress can disrupt initial momentum and paralyze us in place.
We cannot always wait for “favorable” winds. And the only way out of the becalmed seas of life is through them. To complete our mission from God, rather than giving in to these moments of adrift, we’ll need to take the initiative, pick up our oars in our little rowboat, and persist. We must use the wisdom, resources, knowledge and understanding God gives us to press on. Together, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we must determine and take necessary steps to move life’s ship forward once more, however painful and slow the effort may be.
When circumstances becalm us, drifting is not an option. We must dig our oars into the water and “sail by ash breeze.”
Be Still and Reflect: How do you typically respond when faced with challenging circumstances that halt your progress? Do you tend to drift aimlessly or do you dig in your oars and seek God and ways to navigate through the difficulties?
Pray: Almighty God, when becalmed seas leave me adrift or dead in the water, grant me the strength and perseverance to pick up my oars and row with all my might. Help me to embrace the wisdom, resources, and understanding You provide, trusting in Your guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit to move me forward. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby