God's Glory Church

“The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be wise and watchful in your prayers.” — 1 Peter 4:7

In June 1965, six teenagers from the island Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean set out to sea in search of adventure. They did not make themselves wait. On the very first night, a storm broke the mast and rudder. They drifted for several days without food or water before reaching the deserted island of Ata, where they spent 15 months until help arrived.

The boys understood that they had to fight for survival. They planted a vegetable garden, hollowed out some wooden trunks to store rainwater, and even built a makeshift gymnasium. When one of them fell off a cliff and broke his leg, the others fixed it with sticks and leaves. Quarrels ended with a mandatory reconciliation, and every day began and ended with singing and prayer. When the boys returned home safe and sound, their relatives were shocked: they had already organized their funeral.

Christians in the first century had a hard time. The apostle Peter comforted the persecuted brothers and sisters, urging them to be prudent, pray (1 Peter 4:7), show mutual concern (v. 8) and use their gifts to serve one another (vv. 10-11). Then, despite all the calamities, God will “assure” them, “strengthen” and “establish” them (1 Pet. 5:10).

In times of trial, we need the “faith of the exiles.” We will pray and work together, and the Lord will guide us through any troubles.

When disaster strikes, do you ask others for help or do you try to deal with it alone? Which of the believers needs your support?

God, give me faith so that I can face difficulties with dignity.

Author: Sheridan Voysey