Confession time: I love reality television.
I’ve watched seasons of the Bachelor, Love Island, Big Brother, and more.
However, most recently, I went through a spell of watching Below Deck, which follows the life of crew members working on yachts. One of the versions of Below Deck follows a crew working on a sailboat.
While watching I spent time observing how they put the sails up, the lingo they use to communicate, and the absolute beauty that follows once the sails are up.
I want to go sailing more than ever.
However, I can remember episodes where they had some unsatisfied guests because the wind hadn’t picked up enough for a good cruise.
These sailboats cannot smoothly sail without the help of the wind. However, some have a built-in motor.
In recent weeks, the Lord has used the analogy of sails to advance His desire for me to surrender to Him.
As I mentioned, sails help propel boats by catching the wind.
Now, these boats usually have some sort of steering column, but without the wind, they cannot move.
See, these sail boats have all the tools necessary to be a successful vessel, yet without the help of an environmental force, it is pointless.
My friends, the reminder the Lord has given me for us today is simple:
We are but sailboats.
The Lord can equip us with all the tools necessary to move forward and do His will, but without the presence of His wind, we cannot and should not move.
We cannot move without the Lord, or else our moves will be in vain.
It reminds me of a similar heart that Moses had when leading the people of Israel.
"And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:15-17(ESV)
I also love the interpretation found in The Message.
"Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?” God said to Moses: “All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:15-17 (MSG)
How beautiful would it be to approach every step and season of life with the heart of only going if Jesus is leading us?
To some of us, this may seem to be an amateur way of thinking. But, sometimes the simplest things are the most profound and important.
We have many desires, and many times we have an idea of how to get them done. However, we cannot lean into our understanding alone.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Many times, we may feel anxious or fearful when we step forward in our own efforts. But when we submit and surrender to the Lord, we have nothing to be anxious over.
He will make our paths straight in order for us to glorify His life best.
So stop trying to figure out what's best on your own. Lean into Jesus!
All decisions, both small and large, should be driven by the wind of God’s love and grace.
We should quite literally be His earthen vessel.
So as we walk into tomorrow, into this month, and into your entire life, I urge us to awake every morning and ask the Holy Spirit to blow His wind in order that we might be completely and utterly led by Him.
Song for reflection, prayer, & singing:
Wind of Love - Elevation Rhythm
I Won't Move - Life.Church Worship
I Don’t Wanna Go - Chris Renzema
Abide - Worship Initiative
Rest on Us - Maverick City Music
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