Let God Guide Your Sailing
by Shelli Halbersma
I was home from college for the summer, working at a local deli and serving at a nearby Bible camp. I loved creating memorable experiences for the campers, and that summer, one of those experiences involved the camp’s sailboat. Nestled on the beach near the often-used canoes and kayaks, the sailboat was rarely used. No one knew how to sail except for Randy, a 70-year-old retired sailing instructor who lived across the lake. He would often sail his own boat to the camp and take the campers for an exhilarating ride. With two sailboats and only one knowledgeable sailor, I asked Randy if he would teach me; he quickly agreed.
During my first lesson, Randy reviewed the basics and allowed me to take control of the main ropes. It was typical for the boat to tip, causing us to sit on the high side. When it seemed we were close to tipping over, he instructed me to let out the main sheet (or main rope). This would kill the power from the main sail, reverting the boat to its upright position. He emphasized that the main sheet was only to be let out at the last second. As he conveyed the importance of his instruction, I highlighted that information in my mind. We successfully wrapped up the first lesson and scheduled the second lesson for a few days later.
On the morning of my next lesson, Randy called me to say that although it was too windy to sail, we were going anyway because it would be a good experience. After sailing on the whitecapped water for nearly an hour, he instructed me to take one last turn before heading in for the day. As I did so, we transferred our bodies to what was now the high side of the boat. I held firmly to the main sheet with his prior important word of instruction in the forefront of my mind: Don’t let out the main sheet until the last second.
Before another thought could come to mind, the boat tipped, and Randy and I were thrown into the chilly whitecapped water. Since I had been unable to let out the main sheet before tumbling into the water, the boat had completely turtled—flipping entirely upside down with the top of the mast now 20 feet below the surface of the water. Although we made valiant attempts, our efforts to return the boat to its upright position were unsuccessful, and we began our frigid quarter-mile swim to dry land.
After reaching the shore, I rushed home in time to make it to my deli job. Randy enlisted the help of a few boating friends, hoping to tow the boat to shallow waters. Since I was in such a hurry, I did not reflect much on the situation. But I knew one thing—I wanted to end my sailing lessons.
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything—James 1:4.
A few days later, after his turtled boat was clean and ready to sail again, Randy invited me to the next lesson. I reluctantly agreed. The water was calm once again, and he instructed me to take the reins. I hesitated again, but Randy’s gentle encouragement prompted me to follow his guidance. I continued that lesson and subsequent lessons until the day we both knew I was confident to take campers on safe and fun sailing adventures.
The day the boat capsized, I could never have imagined taking campers on sailing adventures. However, I did not follow my own thoughts and feelings. Instead, I followed my instructor’s advice, which resulted in sailing expertise and memorable experiences for my campers.
How nerve-wracking it is when God allows us to experience the rough waters of life. Sometimes we don’t want to return to those places—and at times we shouldn’t. But if we let Jesus guide our steps, even when that means stepping back into difficulty, we can trust him as he perfects us.
James encourages us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2–4). Choose to trust Jesus. Regardless of what happens with your rough water situation, one thing is true—he will refine you into an even more beautiful treasure that radiates his glory and goodness.
Shelli Halbersma is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, life coach, and avid beach volleyball player. @shellihalbersma