"Hoist The Sails!"

Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, is well recognized for his faith and faithfulness to God. He is the founder of the China Inland Mission, and at his death had recruited over 800 missionaries who worked in the innermost sections of China.

Once, on a trip from England to China, he was on a sailing ship that was stranded for lack of wind. It drifted into a current that was taking it toward an island of cannibals. Alarmed, the captain of the ship went to Taylor and said, “We’re drifting into that cannibal island. Pray for wind.”

“I will,” said Taylor, “if you hoist the sails.” The captain hoisted the sails and Taylor began to pray. In just a few moments, the captain shouted, “Mr. Taylor, stop praying! We have more wind than we know what to do with.”

Taylor had things in their proper perspective. We often pray with little expectation of needing to “hoist the sails.” We pray and ask God for wind. But, faith and trust say, “hoist the sails” and then pray in faith, believing. You will get more wind than the sails can hold. Jesus said, “You can pray for anything and everything and if you believe, you have it. It’s yours!”

Prayer: Lord, we do believe, but ask that You will help us to increase our faith until it works as it should. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Mark 11:22-27 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Read more…)