In the past months, the Lord occasionally reminded me of my experience with sailing. He whispered to my heart, “the wind is in your sails.” I’m to set sail with the talents and abilities that He has given me using these to let others know He has come for them. He reassures me that I am here for such a time as this.

I was thinking back to a time many years ago, the summer of 1967. I was asked to babysit my cousin’s two children on their family vacation to Dauphin Island, Alabama. We were on this area of beach enjoying the sun and surf when the lifeguard announced through a megaphone that a sailboat contest would be starting in ten minutes.

My cousin’s sister-in-law told me how she enjoyed sailing and wanted to take the winner’s sailing title this summer but needed help. She asked me if I would sail a boat with her. I expressed to her my apprehension as I had never sailed a boat in my life! How could I help win a sailing contest? She promised to talk me through it and I said I’d sure give it my best effort!

At first, I thought we would turn over. We finally “got the hang” of it! (Our teenage lingo of the day). She controlled the rudder and would tell me when to let out on the sails. We caught the wind and passed everyone up. We won! We took the title from someone that held it for three years!

I have to say that when I put my boat out to sea, I kept running to the back of the boat to help Jesus control the rudder. He is teaching me that as I focus on Him, He controls all things and directs my life. The Psalmist David says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way” (Psalm 25:9 NIV). There are some things that I have handed to Him.

As I trust in Him and yield to His direction we can sail together. He instructs me to pull back on the sails and then tells me when to release them to catch the wind and let the wind of His Spirit work for me.

He reminds me as He told Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil.4:13).

I turn to look at Jesus sitting by the rudder. His hand turns it ever so slightly. He knows where the wind blows and tells me as I make eye contact with Him, “Release the sail, my daughter, the wind is in your sails!”

Father, I trust You to direct my life. You are the wind in my sails. You give me the abilities and strength to win the race set before me. Only You direct me Jesus, my guide and captain of my ship. All glory to the Precious Name of Jesus Christ.