Joel M Bradshaw

13In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. 15Then God said to Noah, 16“Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. 17Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. 19Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark. 20Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.–Genesis 8

I have very generous in-laws who have provided some wonderful cruises for Jennifer and me. It is on many of those cruises that I have seen much of this world. I recall two different times when we sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. That was a whole week of nothing but endless water in every direction. And that Gulf Stream current is both strong and real. It carried the massive ship and you felt its presence. Being in the middle of the ocean did wonders for my prayer life. I had devotions on that top deck of the ship as the sun rose over endless ocean. I recall feeling small and thankful.

When we finally reached our first port, people got off the ship and were kissing the dry land. It was a big moment for some. I walked funny for that first day at port as my body was still used to the movements of the ocean. Now imagine Noah and his family and the dry ground on that day. They experienced endless waters as well, but on a magnitude that dwarfed my limited experience.

Their response was worship. God is bringing some of you through a time of difficulty. You might journey with depression or deal with anxiety. You have a prayer that you keep praying, even though it’s been on your heart for decades. You have a broken relationship you long to see mended or have a burden in your soul that you carry.

One day you will be brought to a dry ground of sorts. Remember to worship then. In fact, start your worship now. I trusted God in the middle of the sea and so was thankful when we reached dry ground. That was Noah’s story as well. What is your story? I have learned through over 20 years of riding the Gulf Stream current of MS that God is trustworthy and faithful. I am grateful for my journey even though it has been difficult. I am thankful for the God who daily provides for me.

Scripture presents heaven as a place where these problems won’t be anymore. I plan on praising that day! But I praise now. I challenge you in your situation to do the same.–JMB