When I was in high-school, I started taking sailing classes at Dana Point Harbor. You can take a whole series on the proper techniques and principles of sailing where you practice in these little 14' boats. On the final day of the final class in the series, our last test was to sail from one side of the harbor to a restaurant on the other. My team and I got in our boat and set off on what had, at this point, become a routine trip.

What we had failed to notice, however, was that the plug which is used to drain the boat had been left out. Every minute we were out, water was leaking into the inside of the hull. About a third of the way we noticed that the boat was turning rather sluggishly but we could not figure out why. We began to execute another turn and everything went wrong. As we started to turn, the water that had built up inside the hull rushed over to one side and caused the boat to tip over. We were dumped out into the water. My two mates had been on the other side of the boat and were thrown further out. I was trapped under the boat as it turned upside down on top of me.

The water was a mess of sails and ropes and my legs became tangled in the rigging and my life vest caught against the hull. I was trapped underneath the overturned sailboat. Claustrophobia hit me hard and I panicked. I started shouting and flailing about but I could not free myself. I could not see or hear anything else above my heart pounding. The world had changed suddenly from a pleasant afternoon of fun to a wet cave of darkness and despair.

In my panic, I noticed a sandal floating next to me. Quite suddenly I felt calm, I had a purpose. I knew what I had to do. I was going to rescue that sandal and bring it back to my friend. I composed myself, untangled my legs, took off my life jacket, grabbed that sandal and swam out. The message this past week reminded me of the events of that day. In Mathew 8:23, we hear a story about a boat trip with Jesus. A storm comes up and the disciples are freaking out, panicking, running around and shouting. The whole time Jesus is napping on a pillow. Jesus naps not because he is

unconcerned for their safety. He naps because he knows that despite the storm that surrounds them, they will be delivered.

Jesus was with me in that sailboat. He was with me in my panic. He was with me as I shouted and flailed and despaired. But, it was not until I could see my purpose that I could act. God is with us always. He has a purpose and a plan for each one of us and despite the storms and darkness that threaten us, his purpose will be fulfilled.

When you are in trouble, trust in God. Reach out for that sandal. It does not matter where you are at in your faith. Whether you are just discovering Jesus or you are sold out on Christ; you are not alone.

Blessings,
Spenser Roberts