Endurance

  I'd heard about the exploration of Antartica in 1914 led by Shackleton, but I never had more than cursory knowledge of the trip.  I finished Alfred Lansing's Endurance last week, which is the full story of the incredible voyage, and it's one of the most remarkable true stories I've ever read.  I have absolutely zero interest in a polar expedition, due to my strong desire to not lose limbs to frostbite, but I admire the courage and determination of those who lead and participate in such journeys.  

  Shackleton's journey took a turn for the worse when he and the 27 members of his crew became stuck in the pack ice, drifting at the mercy of polar ice for months before their ship was eventually crushed by the ice.  Then they were left to try and hike as far as they could before taking to the boats, eventually landing on Elephant Island, an inhospitable spot in the midst of an angry sea.  Once there, 6 men set out in a small boat to navigate 800 miles across the violent Southern Sea, one of the most ambitious feats of navigation in recorded history.  Then, once they somehow landed on South Georgia Island, three of the six men had to hike 29 miles across mountainous/blizzard conditions to reach help.  

  Somehow, Shackleton didn't lose a single crew member.  Every time I turned the page, when I thought things were as bad as they could get, somehow they got worse, but the crew persevered.  It's amazing to think of the obstacles they overcame.  In the final voyage to South Georgia Island, it seemed like every minute brought potential calamity, but they solved each problem, one by one, and they were all rescued.

  It makes me think of Lamentations 3, when we're told that God's mercies are new every morning.  We so often have no idea what we'll face each day.  When they first got snared in the ice, if you'd told Shackleton and the crew what awaited them, they might have given up.  But they didn't know what awaited them, and they simply dealt with the challenges, day by day.  They found a way to manage.

  A very wise woman once told me that worry is negative prayer.  May we trust in God that we'll have the strength to manage what's in front of us, and let the future take care of itself.  We don't know what awaits and we'll only discover the resources when we get there.  

1 Peter 1:3-9

1 Peter 1:3-9 

English Standard Version 

  Our hope in Christ isn't simply static.  It's a living hope, which means that it's resilient.  No matter what happens in the world, our hope doesn't fall down in defeat -- it's alive, and it's adapting.  The despair you may face?  Our hope can adapt to that.  The fears you have in the world?  Our hope can show strength in the face of these.  

  Peter reminds the exiles that their inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.  No matter what the world threatens, the inheritance we have with Christ cannot be stolen away, even in the face of the gravest threats.  We often shrink back in fear, uncertain of what to do next.  In those moments, may we take a deep, deep breath and remember that we are guarded by God's power.

1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter 1:1-2

English Standard Version 

  Here we have Peter, writing to a number of exiles, spread across a region.  Imagine all these exiles have going through their minds,  everything they have going on in their lives... and the most important thing that Peter can remind them of is that they are the elect who have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ.  May the grace and peace of God fill them.

  In the same way, we as a country have a lot going on, and the people are very divided.  There will be countless emotions as America goes to the polls today.  People will be searching for their true identity.  In these times, may we remember that above all else, we have been sprinkled with the blood of Christ, claimed in the waters of baptism, and before anything else in the world, we belong to Christ.

Psalm 18:31-35

Psalm 18:31-35 

English Standard Version 

  The Psalmist gives us an image of God as protector, setting our feet secure on the heights, and teacher as well -- God prepares us and sends us out into the world to serve.  We don't go on our own, because it's God who supports us and God who protects us and God who enables us to take the next step.  

  So the question for each of us, the question for all of us -- do we make time to train with God?  Are we listening for the voice and guidance of God?  Are we intentional about thinking of building ourselves, of allowing God to guide as we grow?  I don't think this happens by accident, but rather by intent.  When we focus and dedicate ourselves to learn from God and grow in discipleship, then we draw closer to God and feel both the security and the sending of God.