America's Prayer History - Part 2

by Elva Cobb Martin (Resource: The Incredible Power of Prayer by David Balsiger)

A Miraculous Wind

When the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria headed out on their historic journey west, Samuel Eliot Morison, a Columbus historian, wrote that the daily ship schedule included devotions at daybreak and at close of day for all the sailors. However after two months and more than 3,000 miles of sailing and still with nothing in sight, suspicion and fear began to affect the crews. Talk of mutiny began.

In grave concern, the captains of the other two ships rowed small boats to Columbus on the Santa Maria.  Columbus promised them, “Just give me three more days. If we haven’t sighted land by then, I’ll order the ships to turn around.” The men left and Columbus fell to his knees and cried out to God.

During the next 24 hours, a miracle occurred. A strong wind came and began pushing the three ships west at an alarming speed. The crew finally panicked, thinking they’d end up so far away from home they could never return. Columbus could barely control the frightened sailors, until one of the crew spied a reed and a piece of carved wood floating on the sea, then a small branch with roses on it.

At dawn on the third day, a voice rang from the crow’s nest, “Tierra! Tierra!” Land! Land!

Of course, the land discovered was in the Caribbean. The first thing Columbus and his men did was kneel on the pristine sand and thank God. Then they erected a cross and christened the island as San Salvador—Holy Savior.

Does this true story inspire you? If so, please leave a comment and share this on your social media by clicking on the icons below.

Elva Cobb Martin
PS For some crazy reason I can't insert photos and my keys are sticking while doing this blog. Can anyone help? ( :