Starvation At Sea

Starvation At Sea

What’s it like to starve?

GEORGE WHITEFIELD experienced starvation firsthand. Born in 1714, Whitefield entered Oxford University in 1734 and joined John Wesley’s Holy Club. At Oxford, Whitefield put his faith in the Lord Jesus. In 1737 Whitefield was ordained a preaching deacon in the Church of England and accepted the invitation of John and Charles Wesley to cross the Atlantic and join them in Georgia.

Whitefield arrived in May 1738 at the age of twenty-three. After spending the summer preaching in Georgia, Whitefield felt that God would have him return home, and so on September 9 he boarded a ship returning to England.

On October 6 the ship experienced the worst storm the sailors had ever witnessed. Most of the fresh food washed overboard during the storm, making the future ominous indeed. Whitefield wrote in his journal, “All was terror and confusion, men’s hearts failing them for fear, and the wind and the sea waging horribly. But God (forever be adored for his unmerited goodness) was exceedingly gracious unto me. I felt a sweet complacency in my will in submission to His. Many particular promises God has made me from His Word, that I should return in peace, flowed in upon my heart; and He enabled me greatly to rejoice.”

By the end of October the daily ration was just a quart of water per day plus some salt beef and water dumplings. Several days later the passengers were informed that there was only a three-day supply of water left, if consumed at the current rate. As a result, the water ration was reduced to a pint a day.

Another violent wind arose on November 6 and drove the ship back many miles. Two little cakes made of flour and water and a tiny piece of salt beef were all that Whitefield had to eat as he lay sick on his cot. By now most on board were very weak and emaciated.

On November 10 Whitefield wrote in his journal, “Was much strengthened in our present distress by . . . our Saviour’s turning the water into wine at the marriage at Cana. We have applied to Him as the holy Virgin did, and told Him in prayer that ‘we have but very little water.’ At present He seems to turn away His face, and to say, ‘What have I to do with you?’ But this is only because the hour of extremity is not yet come. When it is, I doubt not but He will now as richly supply our wants as He did theirs then.”

By November 11 the daily rations were down to an ounce or two of salt beef, a pint of muddy water, and a small cake of flour and water. Whitefield wrote, “I have besought the Lord many times to send us a fair wind; but now He does not think it fit to answer me. I am wholly resigned, knowing that His grace will be sufficient for me and that His time is best.”

The next day land was sighted, and on November 14, 1738, the ship arrived in Ireland. There was but half a pint of water left on the ship. A small boat was sent out to bring back food and water. Whitefield wrote, “As soon as the provisions came, we kneeled down and returned hearty thanks to our good God, who has heard our prayers, and sent His angel before us, to prepare our way.”

Reflection

What is the worst trial that you have ever faced? Why do you think God allowed you to experience it? What lessons did you learn from it? Were you frustrated by God’s timing? George Whitefield’s acceptance of God’s timing as best was amazing evidence of the depth of his faith. Are you willing to accept God’s timing? God is never late, but he can be very last minute from our point of view.

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

James 1:2-4