Don’t Give Up Hope
But the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. (Ps 147:11)
John Low went on a boating trip to an island. In the middle of the sea, his boat ran out of fuel.
Unfortunately, the weather turned for the worse. Strong waves crashed on the boat. It started shaking and soon it went down.
John managed to grab a lifebuoy. The petrol from the boat burnt his left eye. But he managed to stay afloat.
Even as the weather calmed a few hours later, he had drifted far away from where the boat sank. Even as he tried to swim, the currents were too strong for him.
He was in the middle of the sea all by himself. His only hope was for a passing ship to see him and rescue him. However, John was optimistic.
He started thinking of the food at the nearby island he would taste when he got rescued.
As the sun set, he told the sun, “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
The next day, he was getting afraid. But he did not give up hope of being rescued.
He thought of his wife and children waiting for him at home.
He started appreciating the beautiful sunrise. “It is like a big smile on someone’s face, looking at you,” he recounted.
His hallucinations told him to let go of the buoy. But he resisted.
He talked to his watch and lifebuoy, telling them to hang on.
He imagined himself drinking a bottle of Coke and even heard the fizz sound.
During the three days that he was adrift, several boats passed by but they were too far to hear his cries for help. He kept on telling himself, “The next boat will see me.”
Finally, after 80 hours at sea, a passing ship spotted him and rescued him. His is a story of never giving up hope.
Life can become dark and dreary. But don’t give up hope.
Our hope is in the Lord.
Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord.
“God knows my situation and He will help me.”
“God is good and will work out all things for my good and His glory.”
“Keep believing and trusting in the Lord.”
“The storm will pass and I will emerge stronger.”
Everything will turn out alright in the end because the steadfast love of the Lord for you endures forever.
We will meet on that beautiful shore, where mansions await us, where crowns will be given to us, where everlasting joy and peace dwells.
Don’t give up. Hope in the Lord.
(MT)