Navigating the River
I did not post yesterday because I had a rare opportunity to spend my day off fishing on the river. Through my recognition of the Lord’s work all around me, I learned lessons from Him yesterday in just another ordinary situation. My friend launched his boat in Stevens Creek. The navigation to and in the river was treacherous from my perspective. The water is shallow and filled with tree stumps, many of which are hidden just beneath the surface of the water. The trek was slow and methodical as attention was given to steer as carefully as possible. Despite the precautions, unseen stumps scraped and jarred the boat all day.
Our time on the water was good. It was great being away from the routine and enjoying nature. We caught some fish and had them for dinner last night. In reflecting on the day, I realized it could have turned out quite differently. Fear of the dangerous waters could have prevented us from going. We would have remained safe, but would not have had the experience and stories to share. We also could have acted as if no danger existed and easily found ourselves in serious trouble. Because I went with one who knows the river and is wise enough to respect it we were able to enjoy a great day of fishing.
God reminds me of this same truth frequently. Apparently, I am hard-headed and slow to learn. He did not call us to live safe lives. He called us to go into all the world and preach the good news. We are called to do battle with the enemy. We are called to be bold and strong for Him. However, the zeal must be tempered with the acknowledgement that He is the one who knows the river. We must not get ahead of Him, but He promises to go with us and work for us as we allow Him the freedom to steer.
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:19-20)
So do not be afraid of the uncertainty or the dangers that lie ahead. Keep pace with God, respond to His direction, and He will do the work.
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
Our time on the water was good. It was great being away from the routine and enjoying nature. We caught some fish and had them for dinner last night. In reflecting on the day, I realized it could have turned out quite differently. Fear of the dangerous waters could have prevented us from going. We would have remained safe, but would not have had the experience and stories to share. We also could have acted as if no danger existed and easily found ourselves in serious trouble. Because I went with one who knows the river and is wise enough to respect it we were able to enjoy a great day of fishing.
God reminds me of this same truth frequently. Apparently, I am hard-headed and slow to learn. He did not call us to live safe lives. He called us to go into all the world and preach the good news. We are called to do battle with the enemy. We are called to be bold and strong for Him. However, the zeal must be tempered with the acknowledgement that He is the one who knows the river. We must not get ahead of Him, but He promises to go with us and work for us as we allow Him the freedom to steer.
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:19-20)
So do not be afraid of the uncertainty or the dangers that lie ahead. Keep pace with God, respond to His direction, and He will do the work.
Blessings!
Pastor Gary
David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; He's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the Land of Hope. I know You'll never dump me in Hades; I'll never even smell the stench of death. You've got my feet on the life-path, with Your face shining sun-joy all around.
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