The Titanic

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, for they will give you a long and satisfying life. Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:1-6 NLV).

In 1912, the Titanic, a steamship in England's White Star Line, set out on its doomed maiden voyage, with 2,227 enthusiastic passengers and crewmembers on board for the history-making trip from Southampton, England, to New York City. Only 705 would survive the ship's collisions with a massive. Everyone believed the ship was unsinkable. They mistakenly put their trust in man’s ingenuity and promise. It cost them their lives! The "unsinkable" ocean liner was shipwrecked in the early hours of April 15, shortly after its fatal run-in with an iceberg. Here are some of the most interesting facts about the ship and its fateful journey:

• The Titanic was designed to hold 32 lifeboats, though only 20 were on board; White Star management was concerned that too many boats would sully the aesthetic beauty of the ship.
• Survivors were rescued by the Carpathia, which was 58 miles southeast of Titanic when it received the distress call.
• Titanic boasted electric elevators, a swimming pool, a squash court, a Turkish Bath, and a gymnasium with a mechanical horse and mechanical camel.
• The wreckage of Titanic was recovered in 1985, 12,500 feet down, about 350 miles southeast of Newfoundland, Canada.
• A first class parlor suite ticket on Titanic cost $4,350, which translates into $50,000 today.

Five of the known survivors of the disaster are still living. Their nightmare has been retold in countless books, articles, and films. Yet, all of their grief could have been avoided if there would have been more caution employed by the captain and crew that night.

Isn’t that true with many of us today? Tragically we do not heed the warnings of Scripture concerning our choices in life. Vance Havner, a Baptist evangelist, related the story of an elderly lady who was greatly disturbed by her many troubles both real and imaginary. Finally she was told in a kindly way by her family, "Grandma, we've done all we can do for you. You'll just have to trust God for the rest." A look of utter despair spread over her face as she replied, "Oh, dear, has it come to that?" Havner commented, "It always comes to that, so we might as well begin with that!"

There are always going to be icebergs in our path. However, it is not always inevitable that we strike them! Listen to the teaching of the Lord and trust in Him! “Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.”