Brother at the Helm
by Jim Person
The boat was being tossed like a cork on the surface of the sea. My brother and I had just finished an exhausting day of fishing and were returning to our home for a well-deserved rest from our labour.
My hand shook as I tried to steer our small boat toward the safety of the harbour against the tide and wind. My futile attempts placed fear in my heart, as I realised the limits of my ability to steer it through a riptide and 7-foot waves with the tops of them churned into a white froth that smashed against the side of our boat, threateningly pushing us closer to the black rocks with each pounding wave.
I realised I needed to relinquish my hold on the helm to my older brother, if we were ever to reach the safety of the harbour, as he had more experience and had gone this way before. As he guided our small boat expertly through to the safety of the harbor, a great weight lifted from me.
Are we not like this in our lives in relation to Jesus? Is He not more capable to handle the stormy seas of our lives? Jesus has gone before us and has the experience we need to navigate the storms of our lives.
Today, in the midst of your storm, release your hold on your life, and let Jesus steer your vessel into the safe harbour He has for you.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for caring for me. I know You know the best way through this storm I’m in. I choose now to let go and let You control where I go. I surrender my hold on the helm. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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