I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages ~ Charles Spurgeon, 1832-1894

We were on a rafting trip down the DesChutes River one hot August afternoon. We were having an exhilarating time riding the rapids, not minding getting wet. The sun was hot, and the cool river water was refreshing. During our route through a place called Boxcar, we paddled wildly while our captain yelled, Dig, dig, dig!” and that’s what we did–paddled with all our might. At the end of Boxcar, it was smooth again and we relaxed and congratulated each other. Then we came to The Elevator. Swimmers keep their life jackets on, jump off a high rock, and ride the Elevator down a wild stretch of water. The guides told us after getting through the rapids to keep our eyes on shore and start paddling with our hands, toward our rafts that were waiting for us there. The water in the elevator pulls you along, but you must take a deep breath before entering it because the foamy water is splashing in your face and you’d breathe water–not air if you did it there. When the rapids slow down, you madly paddle towards the shore.

When riding the Elevator, I didn’t take that deep breath before jumping and I barely made it through the swift water. At last, I saw the shore and even though my life passed before me during those seconds, I tried not to panic, thinking I might not make it. It was scary. The whole time I was struggling, I was praying, “Help me, Jesus!” And he did. I made it to the smooth waters, took a deep breath and swam to the shore.

 

The quote by Spurgeon reminded me of that scary experience and caused me to think. Do we really “kiss the wave” when it comes our way? Romans 8:28 reminds us For we know all things work together for good to those who love God…The verse reminds us even when we don’t understand our situation,  we do know that God is good. That he loves us and has our best interests–even though sometimes it might be scary–like that time on The Elevator.

Sometimes, we have to wait and remind ourselves during those traumatic times. It might not be in the water, but our situation is scary and we’re not sure what’s going to happen next.

There are many places where we are reminded how good our God is in the Bible. Here are just a few to think about:

And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

“Kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”

“Lord, help me to remember when I’m in a scary situation, that you know and you are good. In your name, Amen.”

Have any of you ever ridden The Elevator on TheDes Chutes River? Comment in the space below, and tell me your experience.

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