Praying for a Wind

“Call to me, and I will answer you.” — from Jeremiah 33

On the same long voyage, a different danger came — the opposite of a storm. The ship reached a place where there was no wind at all. The sails hung limp, and a strong current was slowly dragging the ship toward dangerous hidden rocks, while fires burned on a nearby shore.

The sailors tried everything to turn the ship, but nothing worked. Finally the captain said sadly, “We can only wait and see what happens.”

“No,” said Hudson. “There is one thing we haven’t done yet.” He found the other people on board who loved God — just four of them, counting himself — and asked each one to go and pray for a wind.

Hudson prayed a short prayer, and felt so sure God would answer that he went up on deck and asked a grumpy officer to please get the sails ready. The officer sneered, “I’d rather see a wind than hear about one!” But even as he spoke — look! — the top sail began to flutter. A breeze was coming! Soon the ship was sailing swiftly and safely away from the rocks.

Sometimes we try everything except the most important thing. When you don’t know what else to do, remember Hudson’s words: “There is one thing we haven’t done yet.” Pray. God loves to answer.

Dear God, help me to pray first, not last. Thank you that you hear me and answer at just the right time. Amen.