And Be Thankful

A while back I had an experience that was at the same time both distressing and profound. Let me tell you the story.

First thing in the morning I launched out for a day fishing in the Back Bay. Excitement and anticipation were in my heart and soul, and I could hardly wait to wet a line and see what I could catch. About half way to "my spot" something happened and I lost propulsion. The outboard was still running, but I wasn't going anywhere. It was broken. I did not get discouraged, because I had my electric trolling motor to fall back on.

I lowered the ever dependable Minn-Kota into the water and turned it on. Once again I was on my way and ready to get to the business at hand. I got maybe another hundred yards and the trolling motor stopped; the battery was dead. Now, let me tell you, I was moved to prayer, and I don't mean rejoicing and praising. God was about to deal with my heart and paint a picture that is still giving me revelation today.

I got to a spot where I could pull my outboard and see what the trouble might be. I broke out my tools, did some troubleshooting, and found that the shear pin for the propeller was broken. What was a sailor to do? I decided to fish a while and then go home. As you might have figured out, nary a bite was to be had.

Now, I was not without propulsion. Being an experienced sailor, I had oars to get me home. I got them out, put them into the locks, and started making my way back, and the wind began to rise. Yes, I had to row into the wind.

All the way back I heard bubbling up out of my inner man, "In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thes. 5:18) With each stroke of the oars I said it. Over and over again I spoke it out as I rowed against the wind. For more than 30 minutes I rowed and spoke, rowed and gave thanks, rowed and saw God as faithful in the midst of my situation. Instead of getting angry, frustrated and discouraged, I just let the reality of the Word rise up within my spirit and spill out of my mouth.

As I reached the open water, where the wind would be an even greater trial, the wind quieted. It died down until I turned into the canal we were living on where I was sheltered and protected. I rowed back to the house, pulled the equipment and battery, and called my resident expert for counsel and guidance. Before the day was out I had the outboard back together and running.

God has really used this to teach me a great deal about dealing with trials. The lessons learned included:

• Your success in facing trials will be a function of how well you have prepared for your journey.
• You cannot let your circumstance dictate your course.
• If you really believe that God is with you, you have no reason to get discouraged.
• If you cannot give thanks in the midst of your trial, you really are not trusting God.
• When you face challenges, there is no shame in asking for help.
• Only ask help from people who have something to offer.
• In everything give thanks! Thanksgiving is your key to victory.

I could fill pages with the details of this story and how it has impacted my walk, but let it suffice to say, I am going to be thankful in every situation, in the midst of every trial, and with the certain knowledge that God is on my side, pulling for me, and more interested on my victory and success than I am.

^15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ^16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ^17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:15-17)