THE VOYAGE OF LIFE by W. H. B. Miller

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 31, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 44.

THE VOYAGE OF LIFE.

By W. H. B. Miller

"THEY that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. . . . He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven."

MANY a sturdy ship has successfully battled against wind and storm for weary days and nights, and has at last been hopelessly wrecked at the very entrance of the port for which it has so bravely striven. On the open sea there is comparative safety. There the wisdom and strength of the captain and hardy seamen are usually sufficient to safely guide the vessel through storms into the calm waters. But dangers increase when the great ship nears the port. There hidden shoals and reefs abound; treacherous currents and winds change the vessel's course; and in the darkness fearful destruction may result by seeking an entrance to port between mistaken headlands.

So WHEN the land is neared, the experienced pilot is taken on board. He finds a path of safety even in the darkest night. Knowing the danger signals, and understanding the lights along the shore, he safely guides the vessel into its desired haven.

LIFE'S voyage is almost over. Evidences that the port is near are rapidly increasing. Within are quiet waters and peaceful rest, the glad home welcomes, the green fields and the fountains of the dear homeland. Without are perplexity, the roar and darkness of the tempest, hidden danger, and treacherous signals.

CHRIST, the divine Pilot, is seeking admission into human lives. He longs to lead past all earthly dangers to the heavenly port. In pleading accents He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock;" and the promise is given, "If any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Again He says, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee." And again, "I will guide thee with Mine eye."

WHEN the disciples were storm-tossed in the darkness on Galilee, Christ approached and bade them "be of good cheer." "It is I; be not afraid," He said. "Then they willingly received Him into the ship; and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went."

MANY voyagers to the port of life are depending solely upon their wisdom and righteousness. The Lord pities such, and longs to aid them. He well knows how futile the effort will be, how bitter the disappointment, how fearful the shipwreck. The Lord will plead, but will not compel. We must willingly invite Him if we would have His leadership. There must be entire surrender of the vessel to the faithful Pilot, entire dependence upon His master mind, His infinite wisdom, almighty power, and unchanging love.

To THOSE who will thus trust His guidance, the Saviour speaks to-day: "Be not afraid!" "Be of good cheer!" And in the midst of earth's commotions and strife, the fearful tempest of oppressions and sin, when brave men's hearts are failing them for fear, the Master's "Peace, be still," is heard above the tumult, and the Christian mariner can say, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

HAVE you, dear fellow-voyager, surrendered all to the divine Pilot? "Behold, now is the day of salvation." Tarry not until the tempest thickens and the waves overwhelm. God's call is for to-day; it is the enemy who suggests to-morrow. If He who stilled the tempest on Galilee is for us, who can be against us? If we willingly receive Him, He will give us our heart's desire; He will surely bring us unto our desired haven. W. H. B. MILLER.