Whitewater Rafting, Part Four - A Repost

Trust in your guide. Since our trip on Saturday was my first time rafting, I had no idea what to do. I didn't know where to sit or how to sit. I didn't know how to paddle, when to paddle, or even how to hold the paddle. And I certainly didn't know the river.

Our guide, however, had been down that river so many times that he knew every rock and ripple. He knew where the water was shallow. He knew where the trees hung over the river, causing the rafts to dodge in order to avoid the hanging limbs. He knew how to hit every wave, how to steer the raft, when to paddle, and when to coast. He knew. I didn't. So, when he gave a command, I obeyed. When he gave the order to paddle, I got busy. When he said to stop, I stopped. He was the guide. He had my safety in mind. He knew the course and how to handle it. I eagerly accepted his knowledge of the situation and obeyed his every command.

Why don't we do the same with God? He is our Guide. He knows the course. In fact, He's been down it before. He knows the rocks and ripples in our lives. He knows the trees that hang alongside our path, grabbing at us as we strive to make it through. He knows how to go through the waves, how to steer, and how to paddle. He knows. We don't. Yet, when He gives a command, instead of obeying, we question. I don't know if that's really the best way. That's not really what I had in mind. I was thinking of doing it this way.

Can you imagine if I had said the same thing to our rafting guide? When he gave the order to paddle, can you imagine his response if I turned to him and said, "Are you sure? I was thinking we should just ride this one out"? That would be ludicrous! That would be dangerous! That would be the exact way I often treat God. The One who knows all things gives me a direct order, and I question. Sometimes, it's worse than that. Sometimes I merely thank God for His "suggestion" and go about doing things my own way. Is it any wonder I run into trouble? I have no doubt that if I had not followed the rafting guide's instruction, there would have been trouble. Why should life be any different?

How much better would life be if we would simply trust our Guide? We often sing the song, "Trust and Obey," but it's a lot harder to live it than it is to sing it. But, we should. God knows the way to get us safely home. He has our best interest at heart. Let's listen to His instructions. Who knows? We may find more joy in the journey!

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. - Psalm 48:14