If by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God.– Romans 1:10
My journey down the Rogue River in a drift boat was an unforgettable experience. Most of that early morning passed quietly as we floated down a ruggedly beautiful stretch of water. Then, as we approached a bend in the river, our guide rowed over to the bank and stopped. He asked that we put on our lifejackets because we were about to go through some rough waters. A distant sound of roaring water down around the next bend gave emphasis to the guide’s instructions. Rowing out toward midstream again, the current began to increase. We rounded the bend and came face to face with white water rapids, complete with what is termed “rooster tails.”
The guide instructed us to center ourselves in the boat and sit still. Soon, he was maneuvering our small craft between large boulders and white water. He watched the current carefully, knowing what was below the surface. The skill of the guide was apparent as he lined up the bow of the boat toward the rocks he wanted to miss, and then quickly rowed around those obstacles. At one point, the guide recognized concern on my face. A large boulder was lurking just below the surface of the churning water and we were closing in fast. Before I could speak, I heard his voice above the roar, “I already see it.” He had been here many times before! There was nothing to fear.
Out on an individual “river of life,” we encounter many experiences from “quiet water” to the most challenging “rapids.” To make it successfully through, we must be with the right Guide—the Lord Himself. He has not only been down this river before, He created it. His purpose for us is our safe passage. He knows where the obstacles lie out of our view, and He will take us through if we will but follow His instructions.
In drifting the river of life, it is necessary to center ourselves in the Lord’s will, and stay there. This is for our own safety. The way may, at times, seem precarious and unnerving, but by the will of God and our application of His principles, we will have a prosperous journey. As we learn to trust Him fully, our fear leaves and we can enjoy the beauty that surrounds us even in rough waters!