Arthur Johnson was the captain of a small naval vessel. Captain Johnson was now a Christian but at the time of our story he was a hard man of the world and a stranger to God’s grace. His first ship was a frigate with a crew of only about a dozen men. Included among them was Tommy Harper, a young lad who did odd jobs and made himself generally useful.
Tommy had a hard time among these reckless, godless men. His mother had brought him up in the fear of God and not long before joining the ship he had given his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, promising that he would serve Him faithfully.
When the men learned that Tommy was a Christian they did all they could to mock his faith and to try to get him to use bad language. The captain himself encouraged their sport, but Tommy was firm and persisted in kneeling down night and morning to pour out his heart to God. When the men saw him on his knees in prayer they threw things at him, but even as they did so he was praying to God for their salvation. He was sorely tried by their torments, and looked all over the ship for a quiet spot where he might pray and read his Bible; but seldom did he find such a place.
In the course of one voyage the little vessel encountered a succession of storms, day by day increasing in violence. The captain and crew were too much occupied now to notice Tommy, so amid the furious raging of storm he had some peaceful moments.
One stormy night, Tommy made his way to the back of the ship and clinging to the ropes he knelt down and prayed for his shipmates who were all busy carrying out the captain’s orders.
“It’s all up with us, Bill,” he heard the captain say to the mate. “It’s no use trying any more to save her.” The thunder of the storm prevented Tommy from hearing more, but he went on praying.
Presently, above the howling of the wind and rain, he heard his own name. Springing to his feet, he made his way to the captain’s side. “Do you want me, sir?” he asked.
“Look here, boy,” said the captain, “we’re going to the bottom; it’s impossible to do anything now, but,” and stern and weather-beaten as he was, his voice trembled, “there’s a God in heaven, you say. Well, I— I thought perhaps you’d pray for us.”
“Oh, yes, sir,” he answered, without hesitation. “I shall like that very much.”
The rough mariner turned and led the way into his cabin, Tommy and one or two of the crew following. There they knelt down, while the lad prayed that the storm might cease. With choking sobs, Tommy also asked God to save the captain and the other men.
Shortly afterward, the fury of the waves and wind lessened, the clouds broke and the moon shone down upon them. God honored Tommy’s faith. The men recognized the power of God and now they no longer tormented the boy. I do not know whether all the men turned to the Lord but Captain Johnson did and he was saved.
God has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” He was true to Tommy. Is Tommy’s God your God? Is Jesus your Friend? Settle this question with yourself. Listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to Himself. He has borne the punishment of guilt and sin on the cross, and now waits to receive you. Accept His pardon. forsake your sins, and you will be able to prove what a Saviour He is.
ML 07/09/1967