In The Murky Waters

Hebrews 6:19 – This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary. (NLT)

Having two boys means lots of adventures, and I want to be right in the middle of it with them. That desire took us out in our boat on a warm sunny day with camera and map in hand, in search of a wrecked steamship that had sunk in Georgian Bay.

As we followed the map, we soon found that we did not need it any longer, as there, sticking up from the water, was the top of a steamship boiler. We anchored our boat safely in place so that we would not join the wreck on the shoal. As we put on our masks and snorkels, we chatted, anticipating what we would see. The cloudless sky being bright blue made for a clearer view; minimal waves were also on our side. We all stayed close together and made our way towards the wreck; we surfaced a few times to make sure we were swimming in the right direction.

Much to our surprise, we were very close to the boiler and so surprised that we could not see it in the water below. Going below the water again, we swam a bit more, then we saw the wreck, covered in slime and in bad decay. We moved in for a closer look. We had all been looking down and seeing the shape of the wreck, but then, I glanced up, and right there in front of me was the steamship boiler we had aimed for. I tapped the son who was closest to me; he looked forward, and then we both surfaced.

He said that when I tapped him, he was startled, as he had been looking down when I pointed out what was right before him. We dove and investigated a bit more, then returned to our boat. It was an amazing event. We all had the same thought: that it was eerie to be swimming towards the boiler, not seeing it; and then, all of a sudden, seeing it looming in the murk of the water.

As I ponder that day, now months past, with memories and pictures to remind us, I see a spiritual application in this event. Just as we needed to anchor the boat so as not to become a wreck, so we have Jesus as the anchor in our lives. As we all stayed together as we swam, Jesus tells us that "where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:20 NIV) As we needed to keep a watchful eye on our surroundings and help one another, so we are to come alongside others in our walk with Jesus and support and help to keep them safe in the murky waters of life.

1 Corinthians 1:9 – God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. (MSG)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for all the adventures that You provide us with in our families. Help us not to lose sight of the greatest adventure there is: a life in You. Help us to show others this magnificent gift. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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