Raise Your Sails
Consider two boats. Both set out to cross a lake at the same time. One is a sailboat, the other a rowboat. The rowboat gets off to a quick start as its pilot sets a furious pace with his rowing. The sailboat moves a little slower as that ship’s pilot raises his sails and waits for the wind. Soon, the wind begins to blow steadily and the sailboat moves rapidly past the rowboat. In an hour, the sailboat is miles beyond the rowboat, and yet the pilot of the rowboat has worked much, much harder. The difference? Wind.
Now consider the Christian life. Some Christians, after receiving their salvation, set out to live the best life they can. They have some good days and bad, but they never really seem to pick up any spiritual momentum. Others seek the anointing and favor of God’s Spirit in their lives on a moment-to-moment basis. They ask for his filling and guidance. They pray for the grace to live and love in each moment as Christ himself would. At the end of a decade, the second group of believers appears to be more Christ-like and is bearing significantly more fruit than the first group. What’s the difference? God’s Spirit. One group was depending on him, one wasn’t.
Remember what Jesus told Nicodemus, a Pharisee, in John 3. He told him that Christians are like the wind. They move as and when God’s Spirit guides them along (see John 3:8).
Are you rowing or are you waiting for the wind? Are you spiritually exhausted or spiritually refreshed? Is your hope for righteousness your best efforts, or is it God’s Spirit? I can personally tell you that the wind of God’s Spirit is worth the wait.
