A Cruise-Like Abundance
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance.” Isaiah 55:1-2 NKJV
The story is told of a woman who dreams of taking a cruise. She saves her limited dollars for years to pay for the trip and finally has enough to go. The woman packs her bags, boards the giant ship, and settles into her cabin.
At dinner time, she watches as other guests stroll to the chandeliered dining room for a sumptuous meal. But instead of joining them, she goes to an outdoor deck, settles into a lounge chair, and dines on the peanut butter crackers she has brought with her.
A steward finds her on the deck and asks if she would like to order something from the dining hall.
“Oh, no,” she says, shaking her head slowly. “I’m sure I can’t afford it. The cost of the trip was expensive enough.”
The steward is astounded. “My lady, you misunderstand the amenities of our ship. All meals are included in the cruise price! You may enjoy any item on the menu, as much as you wish…even extra desserts!”
Imagine the sad plight of the woman. She arrives with no idea that cruises typically include dining in the price—offering buffets of unlimited food from sunrise to bedtime, with coffee stations and all the desserts you can eat. There’s also free entertainment, music, swimming pools, and more. The whole experience becomes a feast for the senses. And she’s missing out.
This tale has a sobering allegorical side, however, if we apply it to our faith journey. How many of us are missing out on the feast Jesus offers us?
When He calls us to follow Him—as we repent of our sins and accept His Lordship over our lives—the salvation we receive from Him allows us to join Him in heaven.
It’s an immeasurable gift of His grace through His death on the cross. We do nothing to earn or deserve His mercy. Our debts are paid in full. As His children, nothing will separate us from Him in eternity. What a beautiful blessing!
But as we go through our days, it’s easy to forget that He gives us even more right here, right now, while we still dwell on earth. He started when He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in His disciples after His resurrection.
Since then, He has blessed us with His wisdom, strength, and truth. He provides companionship, comfort, and guidance as we seek His presence. Jesus, in His Spirit, pours out an abundance of fruits (including the list in Galatians 5:22-23) for us to enjoy and practice in ministering to others.
Our journey with Christ is a veritable banquet when we abide in Him. This doesn’t mean we won’t encounter trials or that we won’t have to endure sorrow or doubt. Our sin nature and the reality of our fallen world will make sure we still experience suffering.
But the table is spread before us. A bounty of joy awaits our fingertips when we praise Him amid our pain and despair. Every time we answer His call, strive for obedience, let go of our selfish wishes, and choose to rest in His care, we take our seat at His side. He fills us with His love from His never-ending well of living water. We relish everything He gives us, especially the warmth of His presence.
Friend, you and I shouldn’t sit outside His banqueting hall, munching on dry crackers, when He has invited us to share in His heavenly delights. They are His for the giving, ours for the taking, all for His glory.
That’s far better than anything a cruise can offer!
Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, remind us daily of Your gift of abundant life. Help us seek and grasp the beautiful gifts You offer when we follow Your call. Give us generosity of spirit, to encourage others around us to delight in the same blessings. O Lord, let us feast with You and give you thanksgiving in our praise. In Your name, Amen.
Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2026 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #cruise #cruiseship #cruisefood #desserts #banquetingtable #allinclusive #cruisedining
