WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
On a cold December morning, Rick and I arrived at a San Francisco Bay area marina to find it empty. I commented that the mounting fog would make it difficult to see many birds diving for baitfish, but I wasn’t deterred. This was Rick’s first day out since a terrible industrial accident had crushed his back; I was excited to give him the chance to fish. Initially, we weren’t even sure if he’d ever walk again, let alone fish.
The fog made it tough, but I was sure by idling slowly, I could get us to where I had recently caught and released five-pound black bass and their striped cousins. But the fog worsened, and eventually I realized I had miscalculated. Ten minutes later, I cut the engine and admitted we were lost.
Staring into the fog and drifting for what seemed like hours, I envisioned being drawn through the quick current, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and out to sea. Then I heard the growing sound of a large ship’s propeller, and terror gripped my heart. Knowing the ship’s radar probably wouldn’t detect our fiberglass boat, I didn’t know whether or where to move. We decided to stay put and pray. The ship finally passed on our port side, about 150 feet away – so close the wake nearly capsized us!
Once I recovered from the shock of our near tragedy, it occurred to me that I needed to get my focus on Jesus and not the fog so I could claim His promises. I called on Him to protect us and guide us out of our dilemma. Suddenly, I remembered there was a compass and map somewhere in the boat’s glove box.
An insistent foghorn off our port bow finally penetrated my consciousness, and I heard a train moving along the tracks off the stern. These helped us locate our position on the map and get turned around toward the marina. Remarkably, we only idled about two hundred yards before we made out the marina’s dark outline and followed it to safety.
I thought I knew where we were going and how to get there, dismissed the signs of danger, and misunderstood my limitations. That can happen in our spiritual lives, too.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12).
It’s easy to think if we have our priorities straight, plan ahead, and logically lay out our tasks, we will get where we want to go in life. But Jesus tells us he is The Way. Following Jesus is the only way to navigate the “fog” of life.
“I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
We forget how powerful He is and that the same Spirit who lives in Christ lives in us (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit helps us face trials and provides an inner, consistent compass to guide our conscience and direct our steps (John 16:13; Galatians 5:16). Through God’s Word, prayer, and listening, we can follow the Holy Spirit’s leading – to truth, safety, and life.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:25
Personal Application: What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit? When has the Holy Spirit led you through difficulties? Ask God to guide you today and listen for His leading.
- Taken in part from Overcoming Barriers Men Face: Biblical Thoughts on Issues Confronting Men Today by Jim Grassi, D. Min
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).