Not Waving but Drowning

Stevie Smith's famous poem (http://www.poetryfoundation.org/learning/poem/175778) is about the man who was not waving but drowning. This poem could be applied to the disasters in the Middle East. 

After the enthusiasm of the Arab Spring, everything in the wider Middle East has turned much worse. The levels of suffering and hardship can hardly be imagined.

In Syria, after 3 years, over 200,000 people have been killed and over 6 million have been displaced. For that reason, our Far & Near committee agreed, last evening, to send £1000 to the Tearfund relief effort in Syria.

Much is being made of the inaction of western and other nations in facing the challenges presented by IS and other extremist groups. The fear of the cost of taking action has blinded many to the reality of the cost of inaction. 

But the same dilemma is faced in many other difficult situations. Early intervention might help, and be effective, but most situations are left to get much worse, before people will become involved - and then the cost all round is much higher. Exactly this issue will have been raised by NATO leaders discussing what to do about Russia!

The disciples of Jesus faced a similar situation, while out in a fishing boat with Jesus. They were experienced sailors, and were used to facing storms and bad weather. Jesus was their passenger, and he was enjoying a sleep. But then a big storm developed. Should they do nothing or should they wake Jesus? And Jesus seems completely oblivious to their sense of terror, as he is fast asleep!

'Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” (Matthew 8.23-27)

While the disciples feared for their lives, Jesus is astonished at how little is their faith! When in the close company of Jesus, we have no need to fear anything. Our troubles multiply when we are not close to Jesus.

How are you facing the storms in your life? I must learn to trust Jesus even when things look rough.

Best wishes,

Richard