A Rudderless Ship

In 1832 the Hojun-maru, a cargo ship laden with rice and porcelain, left the port of Onoura Japan headed to present day Tokyo. Fourteen months later the ship washed ashore on the coast of Washington state, with only three survivors of its 14-man crew. Why would a ship set out to sail 200 miles in one direction and wind up sailing almost 5,000 miles in the opposite direction? It happened because the Hojun-maru had lost its rudder in a storm causing it to helplessly and hopelessly drift across the Pacific Ocean for over a year.

A rudder is a small but consequential part of a ship that enables the vessel to be steered in the desired direction. People as well as ships can become rudderless when they surrender a purpose driven mindset for pointless drifting aimlessly in whatever direction faddish breezes blow them or cultural currents carry them.

Nothing is random or haphazard with God. Neither our physical birth nor our spiritual birth were accidental. We were carefully created and deliberately designed. We were redeemed for a reason. God has uniquely formed us with inherent talents, spiritual gifts, energizing passions, and distinct personalities. He has placed us in the exact time, place and roles that he devised for us. If God is that intentional about our life, we should be too.

By studying the Word and communing with God in prayer we develop the directional rudder we need to guide our lives toward the specific path the Lord has chosen for us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal his particular plan and purpose for your life. Then live out your life’s mission with meaning and motive. Glorify God by being intentional with your time and talents.

The cargo on the Hojun-maru never made it to its destination. Eleven of the crew perished and because of Japan’s isolationist policies, the three crew members who managed to survive were never able to return to their homes again. There is a high cost for a ship losing its rudder.

Don’t be a rudderless ship. Stay on course. Keep on mission. Live on purpose.

Heavenly Father, when I consider the thought and effort you put forth to create me and remember the price you paid to save me, how can I allow my life to drift with no meaning or direction? Help me to live intentionally, investing my time and opportunities to serve you and using my gifts and talents for your name and your kingdom. Amen

Throughout This Day Jot down some of the natural aptitudes and spiritual gifts with which you have been blessed. Then think of interests and inclinations that ignite you. Look for ways that these may intersect. At these junctures, you might find some of the purposes God has for your life.