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Listen while you read: "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)
Recently, visiting a cherished friend in the north, I was talked into going for a paddle in their frontiersman canoe. A solid thing, a comfortable thing, I finesse my way into the forward seat and manage to shove us off the pebbly beach. My most dreaded challenge joyfully accomplished, I smile, as I usually tend to be unwieldy around watercraft. Sitting at the front, my job is simple: listen to the instructions of my experienced leader and do what I am told. My companion is easy to trust. This is her lake, her shoreline. She is stronger than I, fit for this task, a seasoned canoeist. I dip the paddle from side to side and stop when directed. As we slide across the smooth, dark water, I experience what I always do on the water: a thrill at seeing life from a new perspective. Buoyant, the canoe skirts along the shore and my friend points out the landmarks of beauty familiar to her. All is new to me.
Such is my life. Years ago, I chose to get into a boat and let Christ be my navigator. He sees ahead, marks my course, and whispers from behind, always steering me in the right direction. My job is simple: let Him be the guide. I need only to move when told to, to follow His lead. And when I do, when I surrender to His voice, I live out the joys that He has marked for me, and I see places and situations that delight and never cease to provide opportunities for growth. For He is good — only good — and today, He provided for me a tranquil excursion in a seasoned canoe on a most pristine lake with a lifelong friend.
Prayer: Father, we thank You for the joy of knowing You and hearing Your voice. How wonderful to see Your fingerprints on every part of our days. Help us, Lord, to obey You, to stay on course as You whisper in our ears, and to be mindful of and thankful for all You do for us. We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for sharing Michele.
Lovely message. Thank you, Michele
Thank you for sharing this and the reminder that Jesus truly is our guide and we are safe in His hands.
Michele,
What a beautiful analogy! Thank you so much. Having paddled in a canoe and appreciated the wonder and beauty I can really identify with your story.
Dear Michele,
I was identifying with your story of canoeing, as I was once a whitewater rafter. For the most part, my trips were not as calm as you portrayed your adventure. Bot, we definitely had the Lord guiding us the whole way, whether in calm or rapid, exciting water.
Your analogy was wonderful. I look forward to your next devotional.
God bless you,
(California, USA)
Michele
Thank you for the meaningful and simple way you reached out to others.
As I read your devotional I was reminded of a time when I attended one of David Mains (one Hundred Huntley St.,) rallies. He had a boat on the stage and to keep this short he invited all present to receive Jesus as their saviour to come forward and get into the boat! The stage was latterly filled. I never forgot it. Your words “I chose to get into the boat and let Christ be my navigator” brought this all back.
God Bless.
What a beautiful message Michele with a wonderful lesson for all to read and think about. How much easier and smoother our journey through life would be if we but allowed the creator if the sea and all that is in it to be our guide, instructor and captain of our lives. Your wonderful insight provides for us the knowledge “He is indeed good and will provide, for all who trust Him a a tranquil excursion in a seasoned canoe on a most pristine lake with a lifelong friend.”
I loved this message, I don not think I could live a day without knowing He is truly my guide and always nearer than hands and feet and closer than breathing.
Thank you so much.
Good morning!
Although I have not ever been in a canoe, I enjoyed your Devotion very much.
I like to be near, not in or on, the water! I find that whenever I’m near water — be it a lake or river — I find it somehow comforting to my soul as I listen to the ebb and flow of the water, or watch waterfowl, or watch lake freighters as they progress along. It reminds me that all is as it ought to be — freighters do not go down the shoreline; the waterfowl don’t dip and dive to the lawn! So too, what happens is part of God’s plan. At times there are rough patches, but like with the storm on the Sea of Galilee, when we need help Jesus will be there with us and calm things.
Do continue to write.
God bless!
Dear Michelle;
Thank you for your descriptive devotional this morning. I felt as if I were with you in the canoe and taking in the beauty that surrounded us all. You write beautifully, thank you.
I love this analogy as I was an avid canoeist in my younger years and well aware of the importance of letting the master canoeist in the stern give me instructions and of my following them to a T.
Letting Christ be the Master navigator in our lives is indeed our only way to come through the storms and winds that would our ways oppose.
Thank you.
Michele, I forwarded your canoe ride to my friend of many years, for we have had the same experience, and it was a fond memory. She replied at how perfect God’s timing is, for her husband was just laid off of his job. So, uncertain is our future, yet we have a hope in the unseen, that only a believer can grasp!
Thanks for your insight.