Getting out of the Boat!

Josh Long, 17, and his best friend Troy Driscoll, 15, thought they'd go shark fishing. Sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately the strong current carried their tiny 15 foot boat out to sea where seven days and 100 miles away they were finally found.

But... No one seems to be happy. A local radio hosts immediately attacked the boys, "What they did was incredibly stupid!" (they didn't have life jackets, supplies or heed warnings of rough water). Distant relatives of the boys are upset with the Coast Guard for not finding them and giving up hope (the mission had change from rescue to recovery efforts). The Coast Guard is upset with the parents for giving them incorrect information on the type of boat and for not knowing where the boys left from. And on and on. Does anyone else think we're missing the point!? "Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Luke 15:24. The prodigal son did not make the wisest choices but the father recognized the joy of having him return home safe from permanent harm. The brother like the relatives, Coast Guard, radio host and others only wanted to focus on how this effected them rather than on the effect on the one who was lost but now is found.

Blame... The boys had the right perspective while lost at sea. They didn't blame the boat, they didn't blame each other, or their parents or anyone else. They simply prayed: "Lord, if it's your will, take me now -- if not, send a boat" The boys persevered without food and water by praying and singing hymns. They used salt water to keep their tongue and throat moist and one of them ate jellyfish. On the morning of their rescue they knew they were going to be okay because the dawn began with a bright rainbow in the sky. They understood God's promises.

Because... Because He lives we can face adversity. The disciples were huddled in a small boat tossed by the waves while Jesus slept peacefully. Afraid they woke him and he stood and said to the waves: "Peace! Be Still!" Mk. 4:39. Immediately the storm stopped. Jesus brings peace in the midst of life's storms. On another occasion the disciples were in a boat and Jesus came walking to them. They thought they were seeing a ghost but when they realized it was Jesus Peter asked to come to him. As Peter began walking toward Jesus the waves and the wind caused him to look at the circumstances around him instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus and he began to sink fast. Jesus reached out and saved him. While Peter was wrong to lose focus he was right to get out of the boat.

Boat... Josh and Troy had the right attitude. They were wrong to not take certain precautions but they were right to keep their focus on their provider. It is unfortunate that people are pointing fingers instead of rejoicing over the safe return of these two incredible young men. Administer Justice is blessed to have many young men and women who have the right focus and are willing to get out of the boat to help others. They understand the turmoil people coming to us are going through but they do not seek to cast aspersions or point fingers. Instead they mercifully serve however they can to help speak peace to life's storms. No job is too big or too small and whether it is vacuuming, filing, mailing or answering phones they serve with joy in the hope that some of those coming for help will find their way through the storm. It is a great joy to serve with them. Way to go volunteers!

COMMENTS? For more information about Administer Justice or on how you can volunteer with us visit our web site at www.administerjustice.org