Discipleship is literally a "ship" for me.
A big ship that can accommodate as much people.
A ship that can give protection.
A ship that sails through ups and downs.
A ship that journeys until the end is reached.
A ship held firmly on the water ground by a strong anchor.
But, one way or another, a ship can sink no matter how much you've come prepared.
Like when discipleship sinks...
Maybe one of the saddest things that had happened in my discipleship life was when someone chose to give up suddenly on God after months of amazing changes from within. I cannot explain how painful it was. All I knew was, I ended up shedding the biggest tears.
Discipleship is a relationship. A relationship supplied with love, understanding and time. It is a three-way walk. And to tell you courageously, it is something I do, not out of law and obedience but more of love and generosity. I would like to share Jesus' love with everyone until the very last person on Earth receives Him.
As I was trying to accept the truth, I knew right then that giving up wasn't the end of everything. Through love, faith, prayers and the gospel, I was more than sure that God will do something.
It's not me, it's still Jesus.
Discipleship rages through both stillness and storm. It has glory days much as it has giving up days. It cannot always promise a steady travel but it can assure security at the end of the sail.
Discipleship is like a ship...
Where the ship is the sanctuary of the people being discipled. It is their vessel of sanctification that will bring them to God.
Where the captain, as the outlook and the steward of the ship, is the mentor who is present to guide, assist and be on guard. The mentor is there to help in holding the rope, in throwing the floaters and life jackets to those drowning in fear. We are just here to plant and water, but the power to make things grow is done by God alone.
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
Where the anchor, that stabilizes the entire ship, is GOD. The author and finisher of this race. The one who can calm the stormy sea and bring back its stillness safe and sound.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:12
Do not lose faith when the ship sinks. Because God is there to orchestrate everything and bring them back to where He wants it to be. Like how He restored a desperate heart in 24 hours. Imagine how God can do it even after a whisper. Nothing is impossible with Him.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29
Do not lose the heart when discipleship sinks. Continue to work in harmony with God for He promised us that He will be with us in this process till the very end of age.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28: 18-20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28: 18-20
Sealing this with love,
Diane
