A few years ago, a 42-foot sailboat got caught in stormy seas off the east coast of the United States.
Waves rose higher and higher until a giant wave flipped the boat upside down. The heavy keel righted the craft, but damage was significant. A Coast Guard cutter quickly responded to the sailboat’s SOS. But when the ship located the desperate boat no one could be rescued because of the violent seas. So the cutter drew as close as possible to the smaller craft, taking the brunt of the waves. The ship remained alongside the imperiled boat throughout the storm and led her safely into port.
The action of this Coast Guard cutter is an illustration of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples in John 14 v 16, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another Helper.” The word Helper may be translated “Comforter” or “Counsellor” and literally means “one called alongside to help.” The Ho;y Spirit guides and protects us through life’s storms, much like the rescue ship escorted the sailboat.”
The north coast of Northern Ireland can be battered by storms coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. I have a well known photo of the lifeboat setting out from Portrush harbour on a rescue mission. It was sailing into enormous waves outside the harbour wall.
Many years ago when the children were small we spent a week in October, on holiday in Portballintrae.
The house had a sunroom at the front and I spent most of the time sitting watching huge waves rolling in.
It’s difficult to comprehend the bravery of the coastguards sailing out to rescue people in distress in the sea. They are risking their own lives to help others. How much more wonderful is it that Jesus gave up His life to rescue us and to realise that God’s Spirit lives inside us and walks beside us through the storms of life.
God bless, Anna
