The canoe of a native of... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2.

The canoe of a native of a South Sea island had drifted in a strong current far away from his island. For 32 days he drifted on the open sea, until the crew of a Japanese fishing boat rescued him.

Later the man who had been saved told reporters that He had survived in the true sense of the words of this psalm. Because he had constantly prayed the words of the psalm, meditated on them and held firmly on to God's promise, he had been preserved from panic and confusion. Every time he prayed, a feeling of calm came upon him. Whenever he thought his end had come, God gave him what he needed. Flying fish dropped into his canoe, and with his rod he could catch other fish. On one occasion a turtle collided with his boat. He was able to pull it on board and used its shell to catch rainwater.

On the last day when he was so weak that he could not sit up, he saw a passing freighter. Too feeble to give any sign, he prayed, "Lord, show the captain my boat!" But apparently those on the ship did not notice him. Prepared to die, He commended his wife and children into God's hand. Then suddenly a Japanese fishing boat emerged and saved his life at the last moment.

This occurrence testifies of God's faithfulness and the power of His Word, from which that islander constantly found comfort and confidence.

"The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; he shall preserve your soul" (Psalm 121:7).

Today's reading: Jeremiah 37:1-21 · Romans 8:18-25