Ever feel like no matter how hard ye work, yer ship keeps takin’ on water? The harder ye bail, the more it feels like yer sinking, leaving ye wonderin’ if there be deeper currents at play.
When our ship’s hold, provisions, or course feel cursed, it’s often the work of the enemy—a devilish saboteur tryin’ to scuttle us. Cannon fire—or perhaps chain shot—keeps us pinned down so we dare not see the larger sea ahead.
Often, the answer be not to hoist the mainsail and charge blindly into the fray but to outmaneuver the enemy. By attackin’ his flanks where he least expects, we draw his attention away from our ship’s troubles and turn the tides in our favor.
The devil be not everywhere at once, ye may lay to that. Neither are his scurvy crew of fallen spirits. That rascal only got a third of the host from above, which means he be outgunned two-to-one.
Best of all, Skipper’s Son has already defeated him. The victory be ours, so strike where it hurts the enemy most!
Radical Generosity
If yer provisions or work be under attack, give what ye’ve got to others in need. Share yer stores, lend a hand, or support the fleet. Generosity confounds the enemy’s plans to leave ye feelin’ empty-handed. It shifts yer trust to the Skipper’s endless supply and shows ye trust His faithful provision.
Worship and Praise
Worship be a cannon aimed straight at the enemy’s lies. Declare Skipper’s sovereignty, and the devil’s darkness falters. Crews cheer in battle, armies roar when they charge—so shout yer praises boldly! Thank the Skipper for calm seas and for storms that could’ve sunk ye but didn’t. Find one more reason to thank Him, and let yer words boom across the deck. The enemy hates hearin’ victory songs when he’s tryin’ to sink yer spirit.
Invest in Another Ship’s Success
If yer own efforts be stuck in the doldrums, throw yer strength behind another crew. Help them chart their course or repair their sails. Aidin’ others’ success drives the enemy mad because it builds the fleet stronger than he can handle.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
When there’s discord among yer crew, the ship won’t sail true. If there’s ill will, offer forgiveness—even if ye weren’t the one to start the quarrel. Mending a broken bond patches the leaks the enemy uses to sink the ship.
Intercessory Prayer
Instead of only prayin’ for yer own ship, lift up the needs of others. Keep a log of their names, see their faces in yer mind’s eye, and pray as though ye were rowin’ hard to aid them in a storm. The devil despises seein’ ships steadied by Skipper’s blessings, so keep prayin’ and give him somethin’ to grumble about.
Acts of Service
Take to the docks and help others, even if their troubles seem unrelated to yers. The enemy won’t expect ye to fight on another front. Sometimes yer greatest victory lies in servin’ just down the line.
Declare Skipper’s Promises Over Yer Ship
Speak Skipper’s Word aloud when the seas grow rough. If the enemy stirred up the storm, speak truth and send him fleein’. Focusin’ on Skipper’s unchanging character makes His strength loom larger and yer troubles seem smaller. Victory’s already won, mate. Keep remindin’ the enemy of it till he slinks away.
Celebrate Small Wins
If the enemy be targetin’ yer progress, rejoice in the small victories. Still afloat after the storm? That’s worth a cheer! Praisin’ Skipper for every bit of headway leaves the enemy fuming in frustration.
Outreach and Evangelism
Share the reason for yer hope with another lost soul adrift. Tell of the good the Skipper’s done for ye. Sharin’ the truth brings others aboard, and the enemy hates losin’ crew to Skipper’s fleet.
Take a Sabbath Rest
Droppin’ anchor and restin’ in Skipper’s presence shows trust in His care. If the enemy’s attackin’ yer ship, restin’ signals yer confidence that the Skipper fights yer battles. He’s got all the time in the world to set things right, so take some of it and rest.
How This Wins the Battle
These actions take the fight off the enemy’s terms and place it on Skipper’s. The devil expects ye to battle him head-on where yer weak. Instead, by servin’, praisin’, and fightin’ for others, ye outflank him and disrupt his schemes. As the Good Book says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to ye as well.”
By chartin’ a course aligned with the Skipper’s heart, ye steer the battle to waters where the enemy’s unprepared, and ye sail in the power of the Almighty.”
