2 minute read
Education NEWS
By Brent van Rensburg Education Associate Director, Alberta Conference
IN THE BOAT
I have always loved different bodies of water, especially the oceans. I have also enjoyed watching various types of boats sailing along, like cruise ships, catamarans, yachts, and giant cargo ships. A Navy Lieutenant once said, “You can put a boat on a ship, but you can’t put a ship on a boat.”
It reminded me of the biblical story of Jesus calming the sea. His disciples were on the boat, but He was in the boat. In Mark 4:36, it says, “Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him”. Whenever I have remembered this story, pictures usually portrayed only one boat. Realizing there were other boats in the sea makes a difference. The disciples were not the only ones on a boat who were afraid, but there were many others on different boats as well. When Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and said, “Peace be still,” He did it for everyone. Jesus can calm the storm!
During this pandemic, many of us have been on our boats trying to navigate the storm of COVID-19. Our “boats” have been tossed and turned, and we have been battling each wave that comes our way. Individually, we try our best to make it through the storms of life, but there comes a time when our “boats” need to be loaded onto the “ship” of Jesus Christ. Better yet, I want Jesus to always be in my boat wherever I go, for I know He is my Peacemaker, Comforter, Counsellor, Friend, and Provider. These are all things I can count on Him to be.
Many questions have been asked, anger and frustration vented, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow holds resonates in the minds of many. This is the time we need to hold onto our faith, be strong in the Lord, and encourage each other. Our schools are re-opening, and families are getting ready to face the challenges ahead, but I am encouraged to know a caring and loving Father in heaven will take care of all our needs and worries. Our leaders in our schools and conference office have been working diligently together to make and keep our schools safe during this worrisome time.
In Romans 8:31, it says, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” God never promised there will never be storms in our lives, but He did promise to take us through them. With God on our side, we will make it through COVID-19. Brené Brown stated, “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” This chapter in our lives will be one that will always be remembered.
Each of us needs to continually, earnestly pray for the safety of all our schools and claim the victory over this pandemic. Let us journey together, remembering that Jesus is in our boats!
