Tackle Too!

“...but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships...” II Corinthians 6:3

“The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they [the sailors] began to jettison the cargo and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. And since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.” Acts 27:18-20

The system of ropes and riggings and pulleys of a sailing boat that were used to lift heavy objects and to sail the boat itself. When they threw away the tackle, it was a sure sign these sailors had abandoned all hope. The hardship had buffeted their ship and them for nearly two weeks! Throwing away the cargo was one thing but having no tackle meant no hope. It was busy work; a bit like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic or the orchestra that is reported to have played on as the ship sank. Futility has a way of getting us to look up. And yet...

“ And when they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, ‘Men you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete, and incurred this damage and loss. And yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night and angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul;

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Prayer Request: Marilu –pregnant in hospital, to lay still and on her side for months to save her unborn. Ongoing prayer requests: God’s hands on the new USA political administration. Barb and Gary to find new, satisfying jobs; wisdom for doctors caring for and endurance for Doris, David, Adrian, Randy and Michael, as they manage their health in new ways. New work projects for me (I removed this as I am reluctant to ask for too much for me, for those of you who asked.) Praise: Lyle’s brother (healing well) and girlfriend (who’s stayed with him throughout entire ordeal).