Sunday, June 14, 2009

Ships Destroyed

"Jehoshaphat also built a fleet of trading ships to sail to Ophir for gold. But the ships never set sail, for they met with disaster in their home port of Eziongeber." 1 Kings 22:38

Plans destroyed. Effort wasted. "Ships" that never put out to sea. Dreams unfulfilled. Hopes that were shattered before they "sailed". I'm sure we all have a "fleet" of them.

Regardless of the 'why's', it's what we do after the calamity that determines our survival. If we allow the shipwreck to keep us from 'sailing' again we will drown in the waters of disappointment and sorrow. Maybe we did the wrong thing. Maybe the timing was off. But, how do we respond to the sinking of our ships?

I believe there is purpose in pain and strengthening through sorrow. The 'ships' my family are building right now keep getting bashed on the shore as waves continue to beat their frame. Sea billows are rocking our plans and storms continue to brew. We are all swimming in uncharted water, but our anchor is holding firm. Our "home port" is facing some extreme weather, but God is with us. We are trusting our lives into the hands of the Captain and know that He is working in ways we cannot see.

Our design might have been incorrect. Our method faulty. Our motivation selfish. Our timing rash. I firmly believe that each 'ship' that has been demolished thus far is for our protection and safety. Being "met with disaster in their home port" is easier than hardship in the open sea. What grace. What mercy. A 'dock' and 'shoreline' offer comfort and peace.

When the Lord finally christens our 'ship' with His blessing, it will set sail and the journey will be lovely.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21



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4 comments:

Brandee said...

Joy, I always love reading your insights! You are such an inspiration. I missed a few days on our reading. I am going to just pick back up today though and just do my best each day.

Thank you for the post on my blog. I knew you had an only son and I was looking for some direction. I think I try to do too much. That is part of my problem. Last week instead of afternoon rest time we stayed gone too much during the day. That got me off and I did not exercise all week. I do wake up every morning at 5, but Will gets up very early too and is usually up about 6. Sometimes he will sleep until 6:30. I think I just got off with not sticking to the routine last week. I have to discipline myself to keep us on a routine even when he is having a good time and is not ready to leave. I have to have time at home to get things done and not be gone all the time.

Thanks Joy :)

Lisa Smith said...

Joy, this is beautiful. just lovely writing. it touches me deeply.

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Joy, what a great testimony you have here today!

Marilyn

On Purpose said...

You my friend write from a heart filled with a whole lotta Jesus...thanks for sharing Him with us today!