Test by Tempest

A ship  was sailing through the open sea with several passengers. The captain’s wife was one of them.The ship was caught in a violent storm. The ship swayed dangerously in the turbulent rough waters. The passengers cried aloud in fear.. But the captain remained very calm, cool and bold, using all his skills to keep the vessel under control. The staff offered all necessary assistance to the captain. Many passengers started to pray fervently.


The captain’s wife could not tolerate the calmness of her husband. She complained, “How can you be so cool, while we are frightened to death?” The captain quickly drew a pistol from his pocket and aimed it at her. He touched the trigger and asked her, “Are you not afraid that I will shoot you?” “Not at all,” she replied. “Why?” asked the captain. “Because the gun is in your hands,” she answered.
Then the captain explained, “That is the situation here also. There is one who controls the storm and the sea. He is our loving Lord. God is more concerned about us than we are. So do not worry. Pray for His help with confidence. He will save us from any disaster.”

Inspired by his confident words, she joined the group engaged in prayer. Their prayer was answered soon. The sea became calm and they could sail safely.

When the disciples of Jesus were sailing across the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was sleeping in the boat. Suddenly a strong storm hit the boat and the waves were spilling over into the boat. They feared that the boat would sink. They woke up Jesus and sought His help. He commanded the wind and the waves to be calm and they obeyed Him. There was a great calm {Matthew 8: 23-27, Mark 4: 37-41, Luke 8:23-25}. To the startled disciples, Jesus asked, “Why are you frightened? Have you still no faith?” {Mark 4:40}.

Our life is like a boat, sailing through the sea of the world. We may be threatened by the tempests of troubles and temptations. But we can sail safely if our faith is strong. Jesus has control over the forces of nature.

He may give us tests and trials so that we may grow further and stronger, but he never abandons us during hard times. He is with us through our joys and tears throughout our life. Let us pray, “Do not bring us to hard testing,but keep us safe from the evil one” {Matthew 6: 13}.”

© By: Dr. Babu Philip, Professor, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi-682016, Kerala, India. For more moral stories, parables and anecdotes for students, catechists, teachers and preachers, kindly visit my web-site: http://www.moralstorieschristian.blogspot.com

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horse and a goat

There was a farmer who had a horse and a goat…..

One day, the horse became ill. So he called the veterinarian, who said: 

"Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three days. 
I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're going to have to put him down. 

Nearby, the goat listened closely to their conversation. 

The next day, they gave the horse the medicine and left. 

The goat approached the horse and said: “Be strong, my friend. 
Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!” 

On the second day, they again gave the horse the medicine and left. 

The goat came back and said: "Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die!
Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three..." 

On the third day, they came to give the horse the medicine and the vet said: 
"Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise,
the virus might spread and infect the other horses". 

After they left, the goat approached the horse and said: "Listen pal, it's now or never! 
Get up, come on! Have courage! Come on! Get up! Get up! That's it, slowly! Great! 
Come on, one, two, three... Good, good. Now faster, come on...... Fantastic! Run, run more! 
Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion...!!!" 

All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the field and began shouting: 
It's a miracle! My horse is cured. We must have a grand party. Let's kill the goat!!!!

The Lesson: 
Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing the necessary support to make things happen. 

Remember: 
LEARNING TO LIVE WITHOUT RECOGNITION IS A 
SKILL!!!! 

If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional, remember: 

AMATEURS BUILT THE ARK [which saved all the species] 

and 

PROFESSIONALS BUILT THE TITANIC [all died tragically]

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