All Hands on Deck
If a ship requires help from the entire crew, it calls for all hands on deck. Everyone must get in position to batten down the hatches. They prepare for the storm ahead. The crisis may result from:
- Severe weather
- Enemy attack
- Mechanical problems
According to The Free Dictionary, a ship’s crew members are also known as hands. The ship’s floor is its deck.
However, the definition for this expression has expanded beyond ships.
All hands on deck means everyone needs to help.
After recent natural disasters, calls came for assistance from every available resource. Troubles included:
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Earthquakes
- Drought
- Tornadoes
In addition to government agencies, volunteer groups assisted.
Several in our church help with disaster relief services. They keep supplies and vehicles ready to go when calls come.
This expression applies to small problems as well as large ones.
Everyone has a role to play in:
- Families
- Sports teams
- Offices
- Schools
In every situation, many hands make light work.
Whatever our position, God calls us to remain ready.
That applies regardless of our age, abilities, or social status. God’s call is not always easy. However, it is always worthwhile.
“Stand steady, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do” (2 Timothy 4:5 TLB).
Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion. Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay
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8 thoughts on “All Hands on Deck”
Enjoyed, as I do all your posts Ms. Diana. Am I always ready to answer the call, “All Hands on Deck?” I liken it to 2 Timothy 4:2-5, wherein we should always be prepared to share the gospel message of the Good News of Christ Jesus. In the same way, we should always be prepared to lend a hand to help someone in need or to provide counsel or whatever help a brother- or sister-in-Christ might need.
A great verse and additional application, J.D. So true and so challenging. Thank you.
Thank you for this blog, Diana. The verse in 2 Timothy you referenced spoke to me this morning. I want to stand steady for Him and leave nothing undone I ought to do. May all hands be on deck for Him!
Thank you, Kim. I enjoy writing the posts, and I often speak to myself as I write. Today’s verse is definitely an example. Blessings on your work for Him.
I truly enjoy your messages. 🙂 Have a great day!
Thank you for your prayerful encouragement, Melissa. I appreciate you kind, generous spirit and your writing ministry. Blessings.
Like most of us, I’ve been on both sides of the “all hands on deck” call. Often I’m the benficiary of many hands stepping in to help with a church project. Then, there are the times when I pitch in as a “hand” in times of need for others. Both situations are gratifying and when we’re working for His kingdom, our Father is with us. Thank you, Diana.
Katherine, you have captured perfectly the importance of teamwork, regardless of which side we’re on. Gratifying, God-honoring, what a great way to live.