I heard a news story yesterday of a ship captain running his 260 foot vessel aground in the Farne Islands. In an attempt to sail from Scotland to Belgium, he admitted that he forgot England sat between the two countries.

Picture: Alan Hewitt

This was not this captain’s only mistake (although forgetting England is the most memorable). He chose to use an unapproved chart plotter. An important watch alarm was switched off. And apparently the first mate had fallen asleep and didn’t see the lighthouse.

I believe we can find some spiritual lessons in this captain’s mistakes. Let’s take a look at them.

We are forgetful people. It’s been that way since the beginning of time. But I often wonder how the children of Israel seemed to forget God so easily. He was in their midst. He performed miracles right before their eyes. He was like the large land mass of England before them and yet they would forget His precepts. They would forget His teachings. They would forget Him.

I must say that I have done the same in my life. I know what God says in His Word and yet I forget it. Not all of it, just some of the parts I don’t particularly like on certain days. Like gossiping. Or maybe that verse about thinking on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, or excellent (Philippians 4:8). Or living at peace with everyone as long as it’s up to me (Hebrews 12:14).

God’s Word is before me each and every day. It’s what I face when I sit down to my computer. God’s Word cannot be forgotten. I’ve chosen to hold it in my heart and meditate on His Words. No, we cannot forget God. We just choose to ignore Him.

Another mistake this captain made was using an unapproved chart plotter. In our spiritual lives this can take many forms. We may find ourselves following a false teacher. Or reading materials that do not fall in line with God’s Word. Or maybe reading your horoscope for the day and believing there is no harm.

We must be careful who and what we use as our life chart plotter. If they do not fall in line with God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, we cannot even think of following the guidelines given by these people or things. God’s Word is the only true life chart plotter. If you have questions about God’s will for your life, spend time with Him. Read His Word. Only listen to advice from those who are diligently seeking God in their own life. Don’t make the mistake of using an unapproved chart plotter.

An important feature of this unapproved chart plotter was apparently turned off. A watch alarm to alert the captain (or first mate) of impending danger. We have such an alert alarm in our lives.

God’s Spirit is within us (believers of Jesus Christ who have been baptized for the forgiveness of sin and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit leads and guides us through the twists and turns of this life. And when we are in tune with God and His Spirit, we will be alerted when we are in danger.

Now it’s up to us to accept those alerts and do something about it. But we find in 1 Corinthians 10 that when we are tempted, God will provide a way out for us.

 “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-13 – NIV)

Finally our skipper trusted his first mate to stay alert and keep watch. Does this sound familiar? Jesus trusted His closest friends to stay alert, keep watch and pray with Him. But they too fell asleep (Matthew 26:36-26).

Unlike the ship’s first mate, Jesus’ disciples were not asked to pray for His safety. They were to pray for themselves. For their own faith to be strengthened. Jesus knew they would be facing their largest demon and that only faithfulness to God would help them through it.

It’s the same with us. When we are at our most difficult moment, we must stand firm with Jesus. We must stay alert, keep watch and pray. The evil one is prowling around looking for those who lose heart and are vulnerable to his vilest schemes (1 Peter 5:8). Sticking close to Jesus is the only way I know to get out without falling into the evil trap.

Jesus is all that we need to make it through this life. His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we offer our weaknesses to Him, He will make us strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Through Jesus, we can do anything (Philippians 4:13).

I’ve used this captain’s mistakes as an example of how these same mistakes can cause a mishap in our lives. I’m sure this captain has a lot to overcome because of what happened on this day. When people speak of him, they will refer to him as the one who forgot England.

I don’t want others to look at me and say, “She forgot God today.” Today I will do my best to live as a woman filled with God’s Spirit, who leads, guides, and prompts me be God’s vessel. Today I will not forget God’s precepts. Today I will not fall into the evil one’s trap. Today I will be alert, watchful and prayerful. I will not forget.

Will you?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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