The “hurricane alert” quickly spread over the island soon after it was announced. Already the wind had become so strong that it was bending the palm trees. Hurricane Allen had switched direction: It was now heading right for the island.
The residents were hurrying around, gathering up things to take inside and tying down anything else that could blow away. Out in the harbor, they were also securing their boats as best they could, preparing them to ride out the storm.
Bernie walked around the deck of his boat again, checking for anything that might still be loose. He had not owned this boat very long and hoped to earn a little money sailing tourists around the island. Once the full force of the wind hit, Bernie knew anything loose would tear and be blown away. He realized that he could easily lose the whole boat.
He had turned the boat so its nose faced into the wind, with three sturdy anchors carefully set out. These were tied securely to the boat so that they would not loosen or be damaged by anything rubbing against the strong ropes.
It was hard just waiting for the storm to hit, but already the wind was shrieking at 45 mph and steadily rising. He was glad that at least he was in the harbor with some protection.
This scene is similar to one we see every day. God warns us of judgment that is coming on this world. People are busy trying to prepare themselves to escape. Some are very honest and upright, doing good deeds. Others go regularly to church, give money to the poor, and all of them hope to escape the coming storm of punishment by their good works.
By now the sky was dark. The air was filled with a choking spray as the waves grew higher and higher. Pieces of buildings, tin roofs and other debris were being whirled through the air. Lightning danced in the clouds and then split the heavens in deafening crashes of thunder. Everything seemed bathed in an eerie, greenish light. The wind was now screaming at 90 to 110 mph! It did not seem like anything could possibly survive!
In his little sailboat, Bernie was having a difficult time. Hour after hour his boat had taken a steady pounding from the seas. The cabin was in shambles, and Bernie was tired and sore from being banged around.
Suddenly there was a wrenching, splintering sound and then a roar. Bernie looked toward the hatch cover overhead which had been torn away. He saw a cresting wave above him! Water poured into the cabin, and he started to bail frantically. Would this terrible storm ever end? Then he became aware of a new motion of the boat. He quit bailing and quickly went to the forward hatch and looked out. One of the anchor lines had broken, but the other two still held the little boat securely.
Hours later after the storm had passed, the islanders began the massive cleanup. Smashed boats littered the beach, and destruction was everywhere. Hurricane Allen had been one of the worst storms ever known. Weary, but relieved, Bernie was glad that his boat had survived the storm.
What careful plans are made by people who try to make peace with God in their own way. Then when the storms of this life smash their efforts, it leaves them in despair. Christ has died to make peace for us—He now is our peace. When we accept Him as our Saviour, we have a hope that is an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:1919Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (Hebrews 6:19)).
If you, too, are weary of the storms and trials of a sinful life, why not come to the harbor of safety? The Lord Jesus Christ will save you from the awful storm of God’s judgment and be an anchor for your soul forever. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:55Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)).
ML-05/11/2014