The day had arrived with the promises of thrills. We arrived on the schedule, then broken into groups. Paddle check, helmet check, personal flotation device in place check, now we load up onto the bus. The anxiety had subsided only to return once again as we traveled to the river. The thought of falling out of the raft never entered my mind more less what to do if I did fall out. We arrived to our drop off point in which we would enter the water. There it was churning and twisting its way downstream proving to be more than I had expected. At this point we was introduced to our raft, again taken by surprise. “You will shimmy your way to your position and sit on these black strips on the side of the raft.” we was told. Positions were now being assigned and the first question was asked, ” Who is nervous about this expedition?” Without delay my hand flew up, and honesty gained me a position with a strap, which became my new best friend. We was given a few more instructions (most importantly how to stay in the raft) and into the water we went. There was no turning back now, the only way out was to travel this journey downstream for the next five miles. My heart was racing and I tried to relax and become “one” with the raft. Our river guide talked us through the first set of white water. As we floated to the next set he announce we need to practice how to push ourselves back into the raft if we felt like we were falling out. My turn came and for a fleeting moment panic almost set in as I leaned towards the river then I remembered my instructions and returned upright in my spot. As we were traveling along the fear subsided and was replaced with a sense of ease.
How many times in life is our journey with God the same as this journey down a white water river? He gives us His promises and instructions, but we have to have faith in Him to guide us to safety. When fear creeps in, we have to remember to lean towards Him. To accept and apply what God has placed inside of us. He gives us a spirit of power, a spirit of love and a spirit of a sound mind.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
When you find yourself in the white waters of life remember ALL that He has promised to you. Everything He does He uses for good. Just lean on Him and He will see you through to the calm spots of the river.
In His Love, Crisi