I was recently fly fishing in a river out west. This was my first time fly fishing, and my cousin and I had a guide to show us the way. It was a beautiful day, and the river was low - we had our waders on, along with the other gear necessary.
As I stepped into the river, I was secluded in a nook, and as long as I stood there, I was fine. If I stepped outside that little sheltered cove, the river- though low - would start pulling me down. So I fished there for a while.
After some time, the guide asked if we were willing to ford the river to fish the tributaries on the other side. I was willing, as was my cousin, and so we went. We had to go upstream - the guide was on the leading edge, and my cousin was on the other side of me. We locked arms, and started our careful journey across.
The guide had done it many times before, and knew the dangers in crossing the river. We held on tighter as we moved into the deeper water, placing our feet carefully and circumspectly as the river rocks were slick and uneven. As the water deepened to our waist, the force of the river intensified. Each time I lifted my foot, the river would sweep it back. It took great concentration to work together to make it across the river.
Eventually, we were on the other side, all intact, ready for the next adventure.
I didn't have to wait long.
Buoyed by my success at crossing the big river, the guide and I now went to ford the smaller branch. I boldly took the leading edge, and we crossed arms and began to move across. Even though this branch of the river was smaller, the waters were still swift and the rocks were still slick. Overconfident, my foot was not placed on a solid footing, and I found myself slipping. Laughing, I went into the river - taking the guide with me - and found the back of my waders filling with ice cold mountain water. We were laughing so hard, it was hard to get back up, but working together, we did manage to get up and move across to the bank. I took my waders off, dumping out at least a gallon of ice cold water, and putting them back on over my drenched feet and legs.
Heading back as the day ended, I let the guide lead, and I took my time. Fording the big river, we three crossed slowly and quietly, reminded of the force that could carry us away.
We are all heading upstream.
If you are a professing Christian, never more has it been more apparent than now that we are in a hostile environment. Land minds are everywhere, and we have to watch our step. As a separated or divorced Christian, the world may look alluring - and we do live here, after all. But the Bible says we are to be in the world, but not OF the world.
John 17:14-15New King James Version (NKJV)
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
When I was with my guide and my cousin, I was in the river, but not a part of it. I had my protection, my guide, my family, and we let the guide lead us. When I tried to do it myself, albeit with the guide behind me, I landed in the river.
It's easy to get into trouble. I didn't even have to let go of the guide and I still went down into the river. If I had tried to go by myself, disaster would have surely ensued.
It's easy to get overconfident in the times that things go well. But remember
"1 Peter 5:8New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. "
Let the Word and the Lord be your guide - hold on tight, let Him lead, never let go.
Stick close to the Body of Christ, the family - let them hold you up, encourage and exhort you, and exhort and encourage one another.
We can make it upstream - but we have to do it together.
LS
