Ask for help to keep your boat from sinking

Years ago a great ship was built. They named it the Titanic. They said, "Even God can't sink it." What a boisterous claim, don't you think? What a demonstration of confidence! What a demonstration of faith!

Why did it sink? It hit an iceberg, you say. True. They didn't heed the messages sent to the ship, such as "Watch out for the icebergs!" But I don't believe they're the ultimate reasons.

People died. Why? You say, "There weren't enough life boats." Why? Because the captain and the builder of the ship (who was on board, by the way) didn't see the great need. They certainly had faith in themselves but had they lacked humility?

It's believed that the name, "Titanic," followed the belief in Greek mythology that Titans were powerful gods called the elder gods that ruled the Earth. A Titan was a symbol of mightiness and power. The White Star Line chose the name Titanic due to it being the largest ship in the world at the time of its launching. Would it rule the seas?

On that ship was the Unsinkable Molly Brown. The Titanic sank, she didn't. Why?

Could it be that she had a different character and faith? How's your ship sailing? Staying well afloat? Finances well under control? Health stable? Too many friends to be lonely?

Are the waves of life tossing you to and fro? Do you let them? Do you depend just on yourself?

Maybe a character change could help. I get tired of running the ship. I'm not as confident in myself as the builder of the Titanic. I'm not a Titan or a Titanic. I ask for help when there isn't a crisis, admittedly, more often when there is. But I do ask.

Would you like to know how to keep from sinking? Ask for help. And, when you ask, be sure that you really expect God to answer, "...because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:6).

There's plenty of lifeboats where I hang out. We always have extras that aren't occupied or full. God knew there would be a need to rescue us. So He planned well ahead.

Stop by one of our "boat stands" and get an unsinkable one.

The Rev. Bill Baltz of Christ Psybyterian Church is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.