MORAL STORIES

TEST BY TEMPEST

A ship was sailing through the open sea with several passengers. The captain’s wife was one of them.The ship was caught in a violent storm. The ship swayed dangerously in the turbulent rough waters. The passengers cried aloud in fear. But the captain remained very calm, cool and bold, using all his skills to keep the vessel under control. The staff offered all necessary assistance to the captain. Many passengers started to pray fervently.

The captain’s wife could not tolerate the calmness of her husband. She complained, “How can you be so cool, while we are frightened to death?” The captain quickly drew a pistol from his pocket and aimed it at her. He touched the trigger and asked her, “Are you not afraid that I will shoot you?” “Not at all,” she replied. “Why?” asked the captain. “Because the gun is in your hands,” she answered.

Then the captain explained, “That is the situation here also. There is one who controls the storm and the sea. He is our loving Lord. God is more concerned about us than we are. So do not worry. Pray for His help with confidence. He will save us from any disaster.”

Inspired by his confident words, she joined the group engaged in prayer. Their prayer was answered soon. The sea became calm and they could sail safely.

When the disciples of Jesus were sailing across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was sleeping in the boat. Suddenly a strong storm hit the boat and the waves were spilling over into the boat. They feared that the boat would sink. They woke up Jesus and sought His help. He commanded the wind and the waves to be calm and they obeyed Him. There was a great calm {Matthew 8: 23-27, Mark 4: 37-41, Luke 8:23-25}. To the startled disciples, Jesus asked, “Why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?” {Mark 4:40}.

Our life is like a boat, sailing through the sea of the world. We may be threatened by the tempests of troubles and temptations. But we can sail safely if our faith is strong. Jesus has control over the forces of nature.He may give us tests and trials so that we may grow further and stronger, but he never abandons us during hard times. He is with us through our joys and tears throughout our life. Let us pray, “Do not bring us to hard testing,but keep us safe from the evil one” {Matthew 6: 13}.”

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This is story No. 135 in this site. Please click ‘older posts’ at bottom of page to read previous stories in this site.

By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India.