I saw this on one of those true-life television shows a while back. It brought to mind how careful we need to be with our walk with the Lord.
It was a clear afternoon with blue skies and white marshmallow clouds after several days of dreary, non-stop rain…the type that causes a damp uncomfortable chill that you can’t shake. The young couple looked forward to basking in the sun while meandering along the river in their individual rubber rafts as Nancy’s dog, Taffy sat on her lap.
This was one of their favorite activities…relaxing, enjoying the sun and drifting down the river. Taffy loved it too. They’d drift until they were several yards from the 12-foot drop-off where they would turn around and paddle back.
This day, they did not notice until they drew near the drop-off that the past several days of rainfall had deepened the usually shallow, gentle river causing strong currents to occur. Though still much further from the undesirable descent than they usually wandered, the waters began to swirl and control the rafts.
Considering themselves experienced and skilled rafters, as well as knowing the river as they did, this was of little concern as they started to counter the tugging current in order to turn back. Shortly they became distracted as Taffy did not like the sensation of the bobbing raft and jumped out. Without thinking Nancy jumped in after her. Nancy struggled with all her might only to be sucked in by the current plunging down the waterfall into the raging waters and massive rocks below…followed by Taffy...then Nancy’s boyfriend who tried to reach her.
From here I could tell you a happy ending or a sad tragic one…neither is the point of me sharing this story. Thus, I choose to let you ponder creating your own ending (is that going to make you nuts? It would me!).
Imagine the story as a parable.
Is your walk with the Lord so comfortable that you just drift along without much thought. Staying on peaceful waters so you don’t have to put much effort in and don’t have to worry about the upcoming currents?
Keep in mind, even peaceful waters can be dangerous. You always have to be alert. I just read that the flooding from the Limpopo River in South Africa has allowed crocodiles to invade neighborhoods. Over 5 attacks and 3 people had been killed by them. Police told residents to stay away from still waters where the crocodiles like to float. What floats around the still waters in your spiritual life? Apathy, indifference or disdain?
Or is there something in your life that pushes you to the edge, but you are so confident in your ability to control it…a sin that you enjoy and choose not to give up. It leads you closer and closer to the current, but you think you have it under control until you don’t…until obliviously are dragged down, barely able to breathe. And if that happens, do you have the strength to pull out?
All it takes is one moment of distraction, a bit of overconfidence and you may be thrust into a current that you do not have strength to struggle against. Or you could survive it but how long will you need to recuperate to regain your spiritual health. Maybe you will be permanently damaged by the fall.
Our God, the great Potter, has had to shape, mold and pound me into His design because I have been so often guilty of drifting in waters that have dangerous potential thinking I was in control. I’ve fallen a few times and came out dripping wet, at times struggled to exhaustion, and even have plunged over the edge.
My God…our God has been gracious and I have survived! But there are scars and aches and pains that remain. I use those as reminders that if I did not let myself be distracted, stayed focused on the Lord, they would not be there.
I’ve also have learned the importance of building my spiritual muscles. Daily Bible reading gives me strength to paddle my raft while in the currents. Daily prayer gives me guidance from the Holy Spirit to be aware of what is below the calm surface…warning me against any crocodiles below. And small groups, Bible studies and time with mature Christian friends helps me in discerning what is happening in our world. (Pitfalls to avoid)
Looking back (though sometimes painful) helps me keep my focus now. My prayer is that the Lord will open my eyes to see the underlying currents that may be hidden by what appears to be a calm surface. That I may grow and be strengthened in my faith to survive any attacks.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a
This is great!