Since moving to Florida, I have seen several capsized boats [rolled over on its side] on the larger-than-life body of water, the St. Johns river. It always makes me wonder what is going through the person’s mind when they are in the deepest area of the river, and their boat begins to sink. Is it fear, overconfidence due to years of boating experience, or knowing that the life-jacket and the SOS call for help will save them before tragedy happens?
According to boating experts:
A capsize is defined as a boat rolling over onto its side or completely over. Swamping typically means that a boat fills with water (often from capsizing) but remains floating. … Nearly all capsizes can be assigned to one of three causes: too much or poorly distributed weight, leaky vessels, and bad weather. https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/
It appears that unless the person has hit floating objects that damaged the boat, then it is their responsibility for capsizing. The power of choice and preventative maintenance lies within the captain’s ability to prevent the occurrence. You may think who would intentionally place themselves in harm’s way.
The coastal area of Florida has a long rainy season. Speaking from experience, the love for water causes the intense desire to be “one with nature.” [However, I respect nature’s fury.] Unfortunately, it is overconfidence in your abilities, which is a dangerous character trait that leads to compromising one’s safety. Many individuals choose to ignore the stormy forecasts, and much to their despair, their heavily relied upon skills and small vessels are no match for the turbulence caused by the relentless gusts of nature’s angry storms.
As believers, we face the tsunamis of daily trials and hardships every day. Some of our storms result from poor decision-making, but most challenges are outside of our control.
In Psalms 27;11, David requested, “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.” At the time, David was king, and many of his closest advisors despised his allegiance to God. Even his son, Adonijah, attempted to become the king through a diabolical plot [Read 1 Kings chapters 1-2]. But God honored David’s prayers through His divine intervention, and the secret plot was revealed.
Like David, we need to ask God to teach us how to live. The Sea of Life has many enemies waiting to make us capsize into the deep waters of sin. Yes, every day, Satan has plans to discourage and tempt us to sin against our Captain, God the Father. He uses humanity and his demonic forces to bring the squalls of chaos and confusion into our lives.
We should never become over-confident by starting our day without requesting God’s protection from danger.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12
God’s omniscience and omnipotent power protect us from our enemies [human and satanic]. Our faith in God and daily prayers keep us from capsizing and sinking into the darkness of sin. “Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Psalm 27:3. We do not fear! Yes, we can remain confident. Our spiritual crew, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, stay at the helm to watch over us and navigate us to safety.
Even when we rush about pursuing our tasks, God reminds us that we forgot to include Him in our day. My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me. ” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8. Like the overconfident person who takes their boat on the water regardless of the weather forecast, we cannot predict the outcome from the unexpected storms of sorrows and hardships.
Pray and “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14.
Prayer: Hear our prayer, O Lord. We come to you with humble hearts, asking for your divine intervention to navigate us through the seen and unseen dangers in the Sea of Life. We admit that we can do nothing without you. Thank you for your protection and endless love, grace, and mercies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson
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