The Storm by the Rocks

“He calmed the storm, and guided them to the harbour they longed for.” — from Psalm 107

At last the great day came. Hudson boarded a sailing ship bound for China. His mother came to say goodbye, tidying his little bunk and praying with him one last time. As the ship pulled away, her cry of sadness “went through me like a knife,” Hudson said. But he was going where God had called him.

Then trouble struck. A fierce gale blew up and trapped the ship for twelve stormy days. One Sunday night the wind drove them straight toward a rocky shore — closer and closer, until the ship was almost near enough to touch the rocks. It looked like the end.

The captain, who loved God too, turned to Hudson and said, “We cannot live half an hour now. What about your call to serve the Lord in China?” Hudson answered that he would rather be here, obeying God, than anywhere else — and that he still believed he would reach China.

A few minutes later the captain hurried back with a shout: “The wind has changed! We can sail out of the bay!” And they did. The rocks were left safely behind.

Even in the middle of a frightening storm, you can be at peace when you know you are where God wants you to be. He is the Lord of the wind and the waves.

Dear God, when life feels like a storm, help me stay peaceful, knowing you are with me and in control. Amen.