A white-water rafting trip had sounded like great fun when we had planned our trip to Colorado months ahead. The day arrived for the adventure, however, and I was fearful. Three days before boarding the plane for my week’s vacation with ten other family members, I had injured my lower back and was having difficulty simply walking. Was it wise to raft down the Arkansas River and risk getting thrown out of the boat and experiencing greater injury?

Probably not, but I really wanted to go!

As we approached the river, our guide gathered us together and explained in great deal what to do if we fell out of the boat. Stay close to the boat, swim, float, but don’t try to stand up. You might get your foot caught under a rock. OOH!

We had already signed a waiver that we were aware of the possible dangers of the sport, but the question still loomed: Should I get in the boat?

After the guide made sure we had our life jackets tight enough and he had shown us how to paddle forward and backward, he directed us to get in the boat. His last words: Follow my instructions, work as a team, and we will be fine! Before putting one foot in the boat, however, I  explained my back situation to him. His response? No problem! Sit right in the middle of the boat just in front of me, hold on with both hands, let your family do the paddling and you won’t fall out!

Off we went! I had a marvelous time! My guide took good care of us. He gave great instructions, and the one time we got stuck, it was he who got out of the boat to push us off the rocks.

Such is our spiritual journey. We are often called on to “get out of the boat” and do something we know full well we are not capable of doing within ourselves, yet we learn if we obey Him, the Lord guides us and takes care of us.

Peter and the disciples learned this lesson on many occasions. In one of their first encounters with Jesus, they had fished all night and couldn’t catch a thing. Jesus got in the boat with them and told them to push out and try again, and they caught so many their nets began to tear. (Luke 5:1-11 NLT)

On another occasion, they were out on the lake at night and a storm came up. They were terrified and began to call out to Jesus. When he awoke, he calmed the storm. His question to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:35-41 NLT)

On a third occasion, Peter saw Jesus walking on water toward their boat, and he asked Jesus if he could walk out to meet him. Peter stepped out of the boat and walked! When his trust faltered, he began to sink. “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. ‘Why did you doubt me?’” (Matthew 14:31 NLT)

On all three occasions, Peter was unable to accomplish a task when he tried to do it under his own power. As long as he trusted Jesus, his Guide, he accomplished much—from fishing to surviving a storm to walking on water. As soon as he doubted, though, he began to falter and sink.

Such was my experience with Eric, my guide. I trusted him, got in the boat, and he took care of me.

Why is it that we have no trouble trusting other people whom we do not even know but we are afraid to trust and obey the King of the Universe?

When will we ever learn that it’s not about us and our abilities but about Him? When will we truly embrace the Word that assures us that, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

We just need to get in—or out—of the boat as the Holy Spirit directs, and we will accomplish much in his name! Peter finally learned that lesson and became a mighty leader of the new Christian church!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

My rafting trip was great fun thanks to my guide Eric and my dear family who paddled the boat. Such is my journey with the Lord. As long as I trust and obey, He guides me and protects me. The trip turned out to be much more than a great time on a family vacation. It served as a wonderful reminder that I just need to get in the boat!

How about you? Any lessons learned while rafting or boating? I’d love to hear from you!