Santiago

I have always been captivated by the ocean. It’s vastness and beauty. On the surface it’s miles and miles of open water, connecting one world to another, waiting to be navigated by a boat. Underneath is a separate world with millions of creatures and parts of earth that remain unexplored. I’ve always imagined my elderly self on the ocean exploring the world by boat. Today I read Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” based on these aspirations. 

It’s a story about Santiago, an old fisherman who faces immense challenges in his pursuit of a giant marlin. I was expecting an old fishing story, but found that it meant so much more. Santiago’s journey is not just a battle against the sea and catching fish, it’s exploration of resilience, hope, and a test of the human spirit. This reminded  particularly of some verses I read this morning.Romans 5:1-5 and Ephesians 5:11-14

Romans 5:1-5  says that through faith, we have peace with God, and this peace produces perseverance in trials. Santiago’s struggle with the marlin is a testament to this perseverance. He endures physical pain and mental fatigue, yet he remains steadfast. The process of battling the marlin serves as a metaphor for life’s challenges: while the struggle is painful, it builds character and hope.

Just as Santiago finds purpose in his battle, it’s essential to embrace trials as opportunities for growth. Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, leading to a hope that does not disappoint. Hope is vital to navigate difficulties. It’s that bit of land on the horizon that is reminder that restoration often follows our 

This parallel is a bit of a stretch but Ephesians 5:11-14 is so impactful and it came to my mind as I read this book. It is instruction to expose the darkness and embrace the light. Santiago’s journey is not only about catching a fish; it is about confronting the darkness of despair and isolation that comes with a hard life of failure. His unwavering spirit shines through as he refuses to give up, ultimately allowing him to find a sense of purpose even in loss.

In life, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and captured by the dark. Listening to the lies and the voice that says we aren’t good enough. It’s temptation to say life is a mess and succumb to the patterns of the world. However, just as Santiago brings his struggles into the light, it’s possible to step out of the darkness and be transformed by a renewing of the mind.  By acknowledging our difficulties, we can begin to find healing and restoration. Ephesians teaches us that this exposure to light transforms us, enabling us to live as children of light, reflecting hope and resilience.

Santiago’s journey culminates in a bittersweet sense of restoration. Although he returns with only the skeleton of the marlin, the experience has transformed him. He is not defeated; instead, he has gained deeper wisdom and strength. Similarly, Romans and Ephesians are reminder that through trials, it’s not merely about surviving but being refined and restored.

Life falls apart, it’s inevitable. Struggle will happen. Just don’t stay there and conform to it. Hold onto the promise that restoration is possible and never give up. Just as Santiago’s perseverance leads to a renewed sense of self, struggle can lead to greater faith and resilience. Confronting becomes a pathway to light, and the character that is built through endurance is preparation for a brighter future.

Like Santiago, we can embrace our trials, knowing they contribute to our growth and hope. As we expose our darkness to the light, we open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. Ultimately, through faith and perseverance, we can move past our challenges and emerge restored, ready to face whatever comes next.

It’s not just a fishing story about an old man and the sea. It’s a command. It’s Biblical. It’s Gods perfect plan and promise.