A LITTLE LEAK CAN SINK A GREAT SHIP

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

The Christian life is full of so many trials and temptations. The Bible makes it clear that anyone that will live godly in Christ will surely suffer persecution (2Tim 3:12). We just can’t run from these trials just as we can’t prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can prevent them from perching or building nest on our heads. So when you find ourselves at the low points of your Christianity, how do you react?_

Professionals would say, “Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship”. This is a proverb reminding us that ‘Unchecked spending of small amounts of money can erode our funds over time.’ The same applies to your faith in times of trouble.

Trying times can lead to people compromising their faith in God. They could go as far as renouncing their faith or running to other sources of power. Job was tested and in the midst of his trial his wife suggested to him to curse God and die. Abraham waited for the promise and at a certain stage, knowing that age was no longer on his side he succumbed to his wife’s suggestions to have the maid bear a child for them. What thought is running through your mind due to the challenges you have been facing? Are you contemplating quitting church? Are you contemplating visiting the native doctors (Babalawos)? Have you decided to go after that man and do his bidding because no one has proposed marriage to you till now? Is the only option you now have - to give your body to your boss, lecturer, employer to make them give you your request or wish? Are you staggering in faith? What is the leak or crack on your ship?

It takes one little leak to sink a ship. When a small leak is left unchecked, it gradually begins to expand and gives room to water flooding the ship and in no time the vessel in under water it sinks. 

A little compromise you may say – one step after another in the wrong direction and your faith begins to collapse. Soon you will begin to hear friends tell you words that will make you feel you have endured long enough. You hear words like, ‘Heaven helps those who help themselves’. You begin to feel forsaken and your spiritual ears become deafened to the words of the Spirit. You no longer want to hear those promises from the Bible. Before long, your prayer life deteriorates; no more interest in the Bible and what you would never entertain in the past becomes what you enjoy most. May this never be your portion.

Beloved, the Lord has assured us that He will never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5). As you have put you hands on the plow, do not look back (Luke 9:62). Avoid that leak because it can sink the ship. Keep the faith. Do not throw away your confidence; for it will be richly rewarded (Heb 10:35).

Faithful Father, I put my confidence in You. Help me to keep my ship well protected from cracks and leaks that I may endure to the end. I know I will share my testimony soon, keep me strong, in Jesus name.