White-Water Rafting

White-water rafting on a ten-man raft in Montana is an incredible experience. Three friends and I were joined with others we had never met to make a team for the adventure. We were assigned capable guide, given life-jackets and ushered on board the huge, inflated raft for the two-mile trek.

Once on board the raft, our guide emphasized the necessity to listen and carefully follow all of his directions. He pointed out that they may not always make sense, but we must follow them immediately and completely. Although this stretch of river was not among the most dangerous, there were obstacles that could cause trouble if not navigated properly. His job was to direct, help when needed and protect all ten of us. He did this capably, including stepping in at one point where child did not have the strength to paddle adequately.

The ride was quite fun. We would have to quickly shift our course to avoid rocks that were on the right and left hand sides of us. At one point our guide purposely allowed us to become stuck in and eddy. Breaking free from the power of this small whirlpool was challenging and required the cooperation of all ten rafters. At the direction of our guide, the five on the right-hand side of the raft paddled forward with all their might while the five on the left-hand side paddled backwards with equal force. This caused the raft to move opposite the swirling water. After much work we broke free and immediately the guide commanded all to paddle forward with all our might. To avoid being pulled back into the eddy, we had to move far enough away from it.

We continued our ride down the river having to remain vigilant to avoid obstacles. At one point there was a large rock in the middle of the river that we had to navigate around. After that our guide commented that it look like rain, even though the sky was quite sunny. Coming around the bend we heard giggles from a prior rafting team, poised with buckets of water to dump on us, who were on a bridge directly over our path. (30 minutes later we were that group on top bridge awaiting another unsuspecting rafting team.) We completed the excursion with laughter and conversation. Although we remained vigilant, a confidence in our guide, our team and our abilities had resulted from successfully breaking free of that eddy.

New adventures with God often can be like that trip down the river. We start out with the mixture of excitement and a little fear of the unknown. We may have no prior experience with some of the teammates for this new endeavor. We can be confident that we will have the perfect guide. Shortly before his death and resurrection, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. “…Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” (John 16:7b AMP)  He exceptionally performs all the duties of our guide. (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby)

All along our journey there will be obstacles. “And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 AMP) We can rely on constant direction from the Holy Spirit when we seek to listen carefully by reading the word of God and following what is within. As we face greater challenges and directions do not always make sense or we may not like following what we hear, we determine to both listen and obey. We cannot look to what others are being led to do.  As in the case of the eddy, one half of us were told to do exactly the opposite of the other half. There was no opportunity to say, “I don’t want to pedal backwards. I want to paddle forward.”  We must be careful not to delay, argue or refuse when we hear God’s voice. We cannot be concerned what He is leading others to do. We must willingly, quickly and obediently follow His leading even when this is difficult.

An adventure with God requires work and obedience, but it also brings great pleasure.  ^“For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing.” (Psalm 92:4 AMP)  As we travel along and experience the faithfulness of God, we will become more comfortable in the journey. There will be times of refreshing amid the trials. “…that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19b AMP)

Although it was the most difficult, breaking free of the eddy was probably the most rewarding part of our entire trip down the river. Looking back at some of the most challenging times of trusting God, I can say the same. The ‘eddies’ in my life have created the greatest memories and deepened my relationship with the Lord. I also have enjoyed refreshment in between.

Enjoy your journey with God. It will be a learning adventure and He will be faithful through it all.