When I was young, I went on a white-water rafting trip. This trip was filled with many kids my age from my church youth group. Although I was nervous, I wanted to go on this adventure. We were warned of the snakes that lurked in the waters and what to do if we fell in. After being in the rapids, the only thing that I knew was that I did not want to fall out. As we hit over each wave and headed through the rough waters, we noticed that some people had fallen out of their rafts. We knew that the chances of us being next were high. I remember praying so hard that God would not let me fall out of the raft. For I was young and not the best swimmer and I did not want to tangle with one of the local water snakes. Shortly after praying we hit a rapid and our raft went sideways and everyone fell out. Everyone, but me. Although life jackets were worn and every single person was ok, it was scary. At least to me. I am so grateful that God kept everyone safe. God knew how afraid I was, and with His grace, He granted my prayer and kept me in the raft. I do not regret the experience as everyone was okay and overall, the trip was a lot of fun. However, I may have thought differently if I fell out into those raging, cold waters.

  Friend, sometimes life is going to feel like that wild river. Pulling us downstream, as we are tossed in the currents. Although, we must cling to God and stay in prayer, knowing that He will be with us. That He will keep us in the boat, when life tries to throw us out or take us under. We must trust that when things are difficult, that even if the waves are not calmed, that He will hold us afloat. I think back to that day and although I do not recall every detail; I will not ever forget the way that God did not let me fall out of that raft. I think of all the times in this adventure that is life, that God kept me safe in His arms. Times when I could have fallen into the coldness of life, times when I could have been taken with the waves; but He kept me safe in His raft of love.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Psalms 121:7-8 NIV

The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.