The Safest Person On Earth
Following God often means a journey into uncertain seas. We delay for a season as we wait to feel more certain and safer. Take the first step forward. The next step will be easier, and the step after that easier still. You are never safer than when in the will of God. In fact, you are the safest person on earth.
In October 2019, Bert Terhart boarded a 40′ ocean sailboat and set sail from Victoria, BC. His objective was to become the first North American to circumnavigate the globe solo, using only a sextant, pen, paper, and almanac for navigation. On July 28, 2020, after 267 days at sea, he sailed back into Victoria, having accomplished his goal.
While on the open seas, he faced extreme weather, regular 12′ to 14′ ocean swells, unforeseen ship repairs, and severe sleep deprivation. But despite these dangers, he was dubbed “the safest man on earth.” When Terhart set sail, we had never heard of Covid-19 (or words like “social distancing,” “flatten the curve,” “shelter-in-place,” or “self-quarantine”). And while he was on the open ocean, Gerhart was safe from all of it.
In a recent interview with Travel Leisure, Terhart described what he hoped to accomplish by his journey; I wanted to inspire people to take that first step forward. Once you take that first step, the next step is easier, and the step after that becomes easier.
The SAFEST PERSON ON EARTH IS anyone who knows, loves, and does the Will of God. We are never safer than when walking in the Lord’s Will.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Ephesians 5:17, “Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
How do we continue to navigate life? (Part two)
Share with others about Jesus
Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure, you use it will be measured back to you.” Mark 16:15, “And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Serve and love one another
Galatians 5:13, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
Work hard but don’t take things too seriously
Proverbs 14:23, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Let the joy of the Lord fill your heart and mind
Nehemiah 8:10, “Then he said to them, Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice.”
Maintain an attitude of thankfulness and praise
Colossians 4:2, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Hebrews 12:28, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
Never forget whose you are – children of the Lord who is our God
1 John 3:1, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 2 Corinthians 6:18, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Romans 8:14-17, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father! The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Learn to take minute vacations of worship and praise
Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Revelation 4:11, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Psalm 150:1-6, “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!”
Never give up on the Lord or yourself
Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” 2 Chronicles 15:7, “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Psalm 31:24, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”
Safely Navigating Life in the Will of the Lord
Pastor Steve