Writer Charles Kingsley tells of the time he visited the famous artist, Turner, and complimented him on his painting of a stormy sea. "How did you capture such drama in the work?" Kingsley asked. "I went to the coast of Holland," Turner said, "and hired a fisherman who took me to sea. A storm was brewing and we sailed to its eye. I was terrified and wanted to lie in the bottom of the boat, but could not: I was bound to the mast. Not only did I see that storm and feel it, but it blew itself into me. From that I painted this picture."
From the pain of experience often great beauty comes. Elijah lived at a widow's home when her son suddenly died. In the agony of that hour, Elijah prayed, and God raised the boy back to life (1 Kings 17:24). From this experience, the widow learned much about Elijah and more about God.
Often we would prefer not to be tied to the mast or go through the storm. Yet the storms of life do come, and we are, in essence, tied to the mast. However, in Christ, we can face the raging seas unafraid. And, from these experiences, we can learn to know our Master much better. He continues to calm the sea and still the storm.
“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again.”
1 Kings 17:21 KJV
No comments:
Post a Comment