Imagine for just a moment that you are at the helm of an old time sailing ship. You stand before the big wheel way at the back of the ship. The captain gives the order to maintain a course and points to the compass. That is your job, just the one responsibility, move the big wheel thing back and forth now and then to keep the ship on that one heading. The wind is from directly astern, the captain has set the sheets for maximum speed, and the rigging is sound. With the crew, except for the watch of course, down in their bunks for the night, you begin to enjoy the ride. Yes, we can all maintain our faith and trust in the Captain when the voyage is just so.
However, it won't last, but perhaps not for the reason we think. No storm threatens this time, no rogue wave or sudden wind to tear the sheets, just one little problem - that lookout. Up front, all the way forward in the bow, is this crewman, or at least what you think is a crewman. The Captain appears to have retired to His quarters and this lookout showed up. You don't quite recognize him, but on his jacket is the title "Known Liar".
Now, just before He retired, the Captain assured you that the ship, maintaining His course, had clear passage all night long. You know this and you trust Him. Then that lookout shouts, "ROCK!" and ducks back as though a collision is imminent. You can't help it. Without conscious command you jerk the wheel. The lookout laughs at you. Known liar indeed, pretty good actor too! This continues throughout the dark night. The Captain remains, as far as you can tell, asleep in His quarters, the lookout continues to stir up fear, and you cannot seem to stop that first involuntary reaction. Finally, you realize that the ship is well off course and you jerk the wheel back to regain the proper heading. How far off is the ship's position now? You are no navigator, but it seems that now the ship is only parallel to the Captain's course and not on it. How much to correct? How great will be His disappointment at the coming of the dawn. What danger to His ship if this is not corrected? Should you call for the mate? Do we dare awaken the Captain at his hour?
Sure, you recognize the life we live every day. It is easy to be faithful to our Lord Jesus when things are going well. But it is just when things are going so good that the great liar starts in with the fear whispers. Sudden health problems are just around the corner, he whispers through an advertisement on TV. "Your favorite pet won't last forever, how sad will be its passing!" he casts before your ears. Every fear you have ever felt is in his sights as you try to live faithfully with the flaming darts Paul mentioned falling all around you. The Captain and owner of the ship seems to be busy elsewhere when you call out for help; and doesn't the enemy make much of that fear with his little whispers and flaming darts! Faithfulness, trust, obedience all become very difficult when the great liar attacks with his minions of fear, worry, doubt, and anxiety.
A hand on the shoulder; you jump, startled out of that deep conversation with fear. "Steer just a little to the north, we'll be back on course in no time. You are not that far off." the Captain speaks gently in your trembling ear. The mate smiles, knowing the Captain was there all the time watching you closely. That lookout has disappeared. All is calm once more as His peace washes the doubts away.
Have a faithful day, helmsman! Your course is set by our righteous Captain.
Bucky
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