Sailors used to think that in a storm they should throw the cargo overboard. The philosophy was the lighter the ship the more chance of survival. Generally true, I suppose! There are times that it is necessary to cast cargo overboard especially if it is inflammable and destructible. Sometimes goods do need to be cast overboard or jettisoned. Lightening the ship also stabilizes the vessel in rough seas if the ship is tossed to one side a heavy ship would become unbalanced and would tip over.
Sometimes you have to distance yourself from the person who is causing the unnecessary storm in your life. Ask the sea captain and sailors in Jonah 1:4-7, 11-12. Even Jonah confessed, “Throw me overboard, into the sea. Then the storm will stop. It’s all my fault. I’m the cause of the storm. Get rid of me and you’ll get rid of the storm” (Jonah 1:12, MSG).
But, in some cases the heavier the ship the greater the chance of survival. The right weights protect us in a storm.
A Popular Mechanics article, “How Ships Survive a Hurricane at Sea” (June 4, 2014, Kiona Smith-Strickland) reveals that the most dangerous ship in a hurricane is an empty one. That is because the weight of the cargo helps stabilize the ship against the waves. “It can get kind of hairy especially if you don’t have cargo” Said sea Captain, Max Hardberger.
Sometimes, the cargo you think is holding you down is actually the cargo that is holding you up—save, secure, and sound.
Better make sure God is in your ship. So many choices in life will come down to a simple question:
- Am I God or is God God?
- Does this please God or does this just please me?
If I’m God—and obviously I’m not—then I can do what I want to. I’m the proverbial King of the Castle.
But if God is God—and obviously He is—then I must submit to—and obey—His Word.
He is the cargo I must have in my ship.
Cargo of God’s Word:
“Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps 119:89).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Ps 119:9).
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps 119:11).
Cargo of Consistent Spiritual Disciplines:
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Bible Reading
- Church attendance
Cargo of Godly People in my Ship:
- Parents
- Family
- Friends
- Ministers
- Mentors
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim 1:5).
What cargo do you have in your ship?
James Poitras 
Oh how I love this writer! Always consistent, always faithful, steady and true. So thankful to have him in my ship of life! Always leading our family closer to Jesus!