By Betsy Ore Glass

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. – John 3:8 NIV

For the first time, I recently went sailing. It was a charter so I didn’t have to do any work but to enjoy myself and take lots of photographs. Being more used to a traditional boat where it can be a rougher ride, I was amazed how we sliced through the water effortlessly and quietly. The wind was strong and the deck hands worked to adjust the sails accordingly. A perfect day. I noticed a lot of lines on the vessel we were on. Lines for the sails, to tie up, to have just in case! The teak was abundant and beautifully weathered but in great condition for the seats and floor. Just for a brief time, I felt so privileged to have this experience. The mainsail and jib (yes, I am learning some sailing terms) worked beautifully together. Not a tear, no frayed seams and crisp white like the clouds above.

Sometimes our life is smooth sailing. Oh we love those times don’t we? Not a care in the world, everyone enjoys good health, prosperity, laughter and joy. Living in abundance. A sailboat that criss-crosses the water with a great wind is paradise. But conversely, there are days when the wind isn’t stirring. It feels hot, humid and stagnant. Our life can mirror this at times. It could last a day, a month or years. Where is God? Doesn’t He see our struggles? Is He going to help us to get through this period? Like a motorboat that rides the waves up and down like a rollercoaster, the ride isn’t smooth and we feel we are getting tossed around needlessly.

Be assured. God sees and knows all. Some hardships are from our own doing. Unwise decisions because we are following our feelings, not His Word. But most times there is a reason for the ebb and flow of life and we can learn lessons in our trials and difficulty. We benefit from these times more than we expect. We gain wisdom from experiences and God is there by our side. God is like the wind that we cannot see but know is there. Always trust and depend on Him in the highs and lows we encounter. It is the right course, the only course. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:2-6

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